Sports Talent Identification and Development at Senior High School Level in Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine modes of sports talent identification, challenges faced in sports talent identification and factors that predict sports talent identification and development in Senior High Schools in Upper East Region of Ghana. A census sampling technique was used to include all 203 participants (180 male and 23 female sports coaches) in Senior High Schools in the Upper East Region. In gathering data for the investigation, questionnaires were used and the data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and multiple regression. Findings from the study indicated that the common mode of identifying talented student-athletes was through observation by coaches (90.6%). Also, limited financial resource (82.3%), judging coaches’ competence by their teams’ performance in competitions (73.9%) and early talent identification (69%) were identified as major challenges in sports talent identification. Again, technical skills (β= .153, t=2.254, p|<.05) and tactical skills (β= -.276, t=-3.851, p<.05) were found to be significant in predicting sports talent identification while adequate sports equipment and facilities (β= .300, t= 4.425, p < .05), expert coaching (β= .271, t=4.224, p< .05), regular training (β= .260, t=3.848, p<.05), and family support (β= .151, t=2.318, p< .05) were significant in predicting sport talent development. Therefore, it was recommended that coaches should include scientific methods in identifying sports talents. Also, Senior High Schools should place emphasis on sports talent identification and development rather than on winning sports competitions. Lastly, talented student-athletes should be provided with adequate sports facilities, family support, regular training and expert coaching to help them develop their talents.