Development of elite performers in sport

Development of elite performers in sport

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you should be able to identify, understand & describe, & explain:

The factors required to support progression from talent identification to elite performance.

The generic roles, purpose, and relationship between organizations in providing support and progression from talent identification through to elite performance. 

The support services provided by national institutes of sports for talent development. 

The key features of UK Sport's World Class Performance Programme, Gold Event Series, and Talent Identification and Development.

What do you already know about the factors influencing the progression of athletes to elite levels?

Personal factors

Commitment, 

self-discipline, 

motivation, 

self-confidence

Social and cultural influences

Family support, 

socio-economic status, 

access to quality education, 

media coverage, 

role models

Key organizations

UK Sport, 

English Institute of Sport (EIS), 

National governing bodies (NGBs)

Roles of UK Sport

Distributing National Lottery funding, 

developing high-performance sport

Support services by EIS

Sport science, 

medical support, 

performance lifestyle support

Role of NGBs

Promoting sport participation, 

ensuring equality of opportunity, 

supporting talent development

Key Features of UK Sport's Programs

World Class Performance Programme, 

Gold Event Series, 

Talent Identification and Development

Definition List

Talent identification, 

Elite, 

Personal qualities, 

Mentor, 

Socio-economic status, 

Sexism, 

Sports equity, 

National governing body (NGB)

Effective Talent Identification Programmes

High-standard testing facilities. 

Clear database for performer analysis. 

Coordination between organizations. 

Equal opportunities. 

Development squads. 

Quality support services.

EIS Performance Pathway Team

Collaborates with UK Sport. 

Supports the World Class Programme. 

Provides technical solutions. 

Offers educational opportunities. 

Develops a strategic pathway from foundational to podium levels.

UK Sport's World Class Performance Programme

Funds and supports athletes at Podium and Podium Potential levels. 

Aims for Olympic/Paralympic success.

Gold Event Series

Brings major international sports events to the UK. Supports high performance and engagement in sport. 

Demonstrates legacy and drives economic and social impacts.

Talent Identification and Development

Discovers and nurtures future sports talent. 

Includes public talent searches and multiple assessment phases.

Phases of UK Sport's Talent Recruitment Programmes

Public talent searches. 

Multiple assessment phases. 

Athletes may receive funding on the World Class Programme.

Definition List

Talent Identification Programmes, 

EIS, 

WCPP, 

Podium Level, 

Podium Potential Level, 

Gold Event Series, 

Talent Health Check

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.