Exploring physical performance and coaches’ expectations to understand the international selection process in cerebral palsy football

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to explore the influence of player’s physical performance and coaches’ efficacy expectations in the talent identification and selection process in international football for people with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Physical performance (5 m and 30 m sprint, change of direction, and dribbling) was assessed for 44 international CP football players belonging to the Spanish U19 ( n = 23) and absolute ( n = 21) national teams. The CEE about their players’ performance were assessed for the U19 team. Results Players in the absolute team presented higher physical performance (16.7–47.9%; p = 0.01–0.04). CEEs for U19 players’ general ability to play football and future selection correlated to the players’ change of direction and dribbling abilities and to the coaches’ tactical expectations ( r = 0.52–0.69; p < 0.05). The players’ dribbling ability and coaches’ tactical expectations were significant predictors of coaches’ expectations about player’s general ability to play football and to be selected for the absolute team ( β = 0.55–0.69, p =0 .01–0.03, R 2 = 30–47%). Conclusion These results may provide important information about the talent identification and selection processes in international CP football.