Talent development in Maltese football nurseries

Abstract

For the past half a century Malta has mainly languished at the bottom end of European football. Results were hardly ever encouraging. Such disappointments have frequently compelled stakeholders in Maltese football to try and change things; unfortunately frequently with negative outcomes. This situation in Maltese football has instigated us as researchers to examine closely and re-assess the structures and programmes that are being adopted in Maltese football nurseries. The authors believe that nurseries are the foundation that Maltese football should be built on. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in Maltese football. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development and investigate the presence of such factors in Maltese talent development programmes. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development was examined. The literature review identified important factors which are relevant to talent development in football. The study was exploratory in nature, and it utilized a descriptive approach. Data was collected via a twelve semi-structured interviews and one focus group. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the gathered data. The study concludes that talent development in Maltese football is a multifactorial and a complex process. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on Maltese football nurseries, by identifying and analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development.