A Four Dimensional Approach to Developing Youth Players to Gain Elite Status - An Analysis of Soccer

Master's Thesis from the year 2017 in the subject Health - Sport - Kinematics and Training Theory, grade: 9.0/10.0, Universidad Europea de Madrid (Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid), course: Master in Talent Identification and Development in Soccer, language: English, abstract: This paper will demonstrate a long term athlete development programme based on a four dimensional approach (tactical, technical, physical and psycho-social). A one dimensional approach in isolation would be unrealistic and detrimental to football development. The modern game is rich in intensity, is multi-skilled, a contact sport and requires a quick thought-process. Therefore, a four dimensional approach will be used to combat these main pillars. The information will be based upon a situation of an Academy Manager to develop elite players for the first team. The goal will be to develop at least 3 youth players for the first team every 2 seasons. The club which this paper is based on will follow the philosophy of developing players for the first team as opposed to a club that is willing to spend money on players who are already established or buying already talented young players from other clubs rather than developing their own. Extensive research will be taken from books, academic papers, lectures, my own experiences and other reliable sources to gain maximal knowledge. Furthermore, each age group will be throughly discussed by analysing the potential benefits and fragilities of each age group, and also looking on how best to deal with these issues to obtain the maximal potential of each player. Finally, the curriculum advances in an age appropriate manner to show a clear progression through the age groups into adulthood.