Sports Talent Management and Its Role in the Success of Age-Group Programs in Sports Clubs of the Middle Euphrates Region

The present study aimed to identify the role of sports talent management in the success of age-group programs in sports clubs of the Middle Euphrates region, as well as to examine the relationship between sports talent management and the success of these programs. The researcher adopted the descriptive approach using the survey method due to its suitability to the nature and objectives of the study. The study population consisted of administrators, coaches, and personnel working in age-group programs in sports clubs located in the governorates of Najaf, Karbala, Babil, and Al-Diwaniyah. A purposive sample of (40) participants was selected. A questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection. It consisted of two main dimensions: sports talent management and the success of age-group programs. The validity and reliability of the instrument were verified. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing arithmetic means, standard deviations, percentages, Pearson correlation coefficient, and simple regression analysis. The results revealed that sports clubs in the Middle Euphrates region exhibited a high level of sports talent management, while age-group programs showed a good level of success. The findings also indicated a positive statistically significant relationship between sports talent management and the success of age-group programs. In addition, sports talent management had a significant effect on the success of these programs. Based on the findings, the study recommended giving greater attention to sports talent management and developing mechanisms for identifying, nurturing, and supporting talented athletes. It also emphasized the importance of supporting age-group programs and providing the necessary resources for their success in order to enhance the level of sports performance in sports clubs.