Success in youth top sport requires individual approach

How do you create the top athletes of the future? A large-scale study by researchers from the VUB's SPLISS research group shows that there is no ready-made recipe. The road to the podium is non-linear and requires a holistic approach in which fun, health and the environment are central.

In a comprehensive review, author Kari Descheemaeker brought together the results of no less than 60 scientific reviews on talent identification and development. The conclusion is clear: effective youth sports policy is about much more than physical training alone. It is a complex interplay between the branch of sport, the individual development of the child and the environment involved.

"One of our key findings is that the development of a young athlete rarely follows a straight line," says Descheemaeker. "Inclusiveness in the sports support system is therefore crucial; children must be given the space to grow at their own pace. Our research emphasises that a successful elite athlete at senior level is first and foremost a youth athlete who remains physically and mentally healthy and does not lose enjoyment of the sport. Here, the principle of 'fun, fitness and fundamentals' forms the basis for a sustainable sports career."

The study also points out the crucial role of the coach and the social environment. A coach who excels with adults does not automatically possess the specific skills needed to coach youngsters. In addition to sports technical knowledge, an understanding of the child's social, emotional and mental development is indispensable. Moreover, all stakeholders - from parents and trainers to classmates - need to be on the same page to create a safe and motivating environment.

Descheemaeker stresses that the study's recommendations also argue for a differentiated approach by sport: "Whereas some sports, such as gymnastics, have an early specialisation, in other disciplines this is actually counterproductive and can lead to early burnout. Above all, the study serves as a science-based guide for sports policymakers to deploy resources in a more targeted and intelligent way."

Reference:

Kari Descheemaeker, Simon Shibli, Juanita R. Weissensteiner & Veerle De Bosscher (02 Nov 2025): Youth sport and talent development policies: An umbrella review of the foundation and talent phases for future high performance, Journal of Sports Sciences, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2025.2569267