Talent development and support services

• talent id programmes 


  Working in partnership, UK Sport, the National Institutes of Sport and NGBs are committed to systematically unearthing sporting talent with the necessary potential and mind-set to win medals and world titles. This is done through talent identification programmes.
• what are the reasons for using talent id programmes

  • It means all potential performers can be screened

  • Performers can be directed to the sport most suited to their talents

  • The development process can be accelerated as a result of the information gained

  • Efficient use can be made of available funding for talent ID schemes

  • The chances of producing medallists are improved

  • They provide a co-ordinated approach between organisations such as NGBs, the EIS and UK Sport
• disadvantages of talent id schemes

  • They may miss late developers

  • They require high levels of funding

  • They require large numbers to be tested to be of use

  • There are no guarantees of success

  • Many sports are in competition for the same talent pool; high profile sports may attract more performers or the better performers
• the areas of support the EIS has identified as important for the identification and development of talent

  • The pathway frontline technical solutions:  these are designed to meet the specific needs to each sport when identifying and developing talent (e.g., establishing talent recruitment and confirmation programmes for different sports)

  • Pathway education: this provides educational opportunities for development coaches, covering a variety of topics linked to elite performer development
• the areas of support the EIS team identified as important for id and development of talent pt 2

  • Pathway analytics:  this gives sports the ability to provide meaningful measurements of the effectiveness of their performance pathways by using a range of diagnostic tools; they can take a performance pathway health check

  •Pathway strategy: - this is designed to assist sports to develop and put in place a clear progressive pathway from podium foundations to podium level 
• areas of support the EIS team identified as important for the ID and development of talent pt 3


  • Performance pathway health check: - the PHC is an important diagnostic tool, supporting summer and winter Olympics/Paralympics. It provides an evaluation of current systems and practices for sporting the development of potential medal winners in any given sport. It includes a review of the sports long-term vision and strategy for elite development, as well as consideration for coaching and training environments a sport has in place to develop elite performers
• what makes talent id programmes effective

  • There is a simplicity of administration and record keeping , evidence through clear and appropriate division of roles. Performers can be analysed via a clear database of physiological information

  • Talent ID monitoring systems are used that are built on good practice and use appropriate tests.

  • Well-structured competitive programmes and development squads are provided at various levels appropriate to performers level of performance and provide a structured route through to elite level.
• what makes talent id programmes effective pt 2

  • Specialist high quality training facilities to support progression are provided; testing facilities are of a high standard

  • Funding is allocated to young-up and coming performers at different stages of their development

  • Talent spotting is undertaken via high quality coaches and high quality talent scouts

  • There is high level provision of support services e.g., sports scientists and physiotherapists to support performers during their ID and progression
• what makes talent id programmes effective pt 3

  • Organisations involved in Talent ID work together e.g., EIS, UK Sport and NGBs

  • Equality of opportunity is ensured by allowing anyone who feels they meet the initial criteria for a programme to apply to be a part of it
• the EIS and talent id

  The EIS is one of the national institutes of sport which provides various support services to help ensure talent development. Its performance pathway team works with UK sport to support the World Class Programme in IDing talented athletes and providing them with the necessary support services to ensure their progress.