Kyle Bennett
My research student experience at UTS has had a considerable impact on my personal and professional...
Key research areas/interests: Talent identification and development
Principal Supervisor: Dr Job Fransen, Professor Aaron Coutts
Summary of research project
‘Adopting a multidimensional approach to talent identification in youth soccer: An Australian perspective’
The purpose of my research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of ‘talent’ in youth soccer by describing the interaction between anthropometry, motor competence, physical fitness, skill proficiency, decision-making, and psychological traits. My research also seeks to understand how an individual’s previous sporting participation impacts on their current performance profile. Finally, my research aims to detail how confounding factors such as relative age and biological maturation impact on a player’s selection in academies and whether coaching biases are evident towards those individuals who are older and more mature then their peers.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
Originally, I began my research journey at the University of Newcastle, before transferring across to the University of Technology Sydney in late 2016. The move was driven by my supervisor Dr Job Fransen receiving an academic role in the Faculty of Health; and the thought of being able to work alongside some of the leading researchers in their respective fields. In addition, the announcement of the Sport and Exercise Precinct at Moore Park was a major influence on my decision to further my development within the Faculty of Health.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project?
Talent identification in youth soccer places a large focus on the early recruitment of gifted players to provide them with the financial and logistical resources to aid in their development. To ensure these resources are invested effectively, a small group of players are recruited based on superiorities in soccer-specific performance characteristics, namely anthropometry and physical fitness. While these variables may lead to short-term performance advantages, success in adult competition is multifaceted. My research stresses the importance of quantifying decision-making, skill proficiency, and psychological traits that may not have an immediate impact on performance. I envision that my research will help direct talent identification policies towards preventing early deselection and providing developmental opportunities to a large number of players. In addition, my research will further support the notion of talent identification and development becoming unified rather than being distinct practices.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
Coaches, sporting practitioners, and youth athletes will be the main beneficiaries of my research. Currently, most of the research on talent identification in youth soccer has been completed in European academies. Due to the inherent cultural and social differences between Australia and Europe (i.e. different sporting participation levels, location and access of facilities, and cultural diversity), it is imperative that we understand which factors contribute to the identification and development of ‘talented’ players. In doing so, coaches and sporting practitioners can modify training strategies and development environments to increase the likelihood that players will achieve success in the future.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
I selected my supervisor, Dr Job Fransen, as he has extensive experience in the field of talent identification and development. Dr Fransen has an infectious personality and encourages you to strive for excellence. Upon transferring to the University of Technology Sydney, Prof Aaron Coutts was added to the supervisor team. Prof Coutts has a considerable reputation for delivering high quality research and is an excellent mentor for a young researcher like myself.
What has been the most valuable part of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
My research student experience at UTS has had a considerable impact on my personal and professional development. I am continually working with highly-regarded academics in a location that provides access to some of the best sporting teams in Australia (e.g. Sydney Swans, Sydney Rooster, NSW Waratahs, NSW Cricket). Together, this environment has encouraged me to develop a strong research profile while maintaining my practical skills.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
To put it plain and simple, GO FOR IT! Higher degree research is a rewarding experience and something that I would encourage anyone with the drive and passion for research and practice to undertake.
