Exploring ways to develop talent in children's sports with an educational sports approach

Background and Purpose
In contemporary organizational practice, significant resources are devoted to the identification of talent, a process defined as the recognition of individuals who possess the potential to excel in sports (Williams et al., 2020, p. 1). However, the realization of success in sports transcends the mere selection of talented individuals; it requires considerable investment at both the individual and environmental levels, as innate talent alone is insufficient to guarantee achievement (Emiles, Butt, & Maynard, 2016, p. 158). The advancement of sports and physical education is widely acknowledged as a fundamental element of socio-economic development within any society, underscoring the critical importance of implementing strategic programs in this domain (Saminia, 2015, p. 18). Within Iran, a variety of organizations—including sports federations, clubs, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Education, the Basij Sports Organization, and various sports boards—are actively engaged in talent identification efforts. Despite this involvement, there remains a notable absence of targeted solutions specifically designed to address developmental activities in this area. Moreover, the existing body of research predominantly utilizes quantitative methodologies, which have proven inadequate in providing comprehensive qualitative solutions. This lacuna highlights the pressing need for holistic strategies aimed at sports talent identification, which would serve to unify the disparate efforts of involved institutions, prevent the inefficient allocation of resources, and ultimately enhance both the quantity and quality of sports development in Iran. Against this backdrop, the present study endeavors to investigate the solutions for advancing talent identification in children’s sports through an educational sports framework.
 Methods
The research methodology adopted in this study is qualitative in nature, employing thematic analysis as a robust and widely accepted approach for the analysis of qualitative data. This method is grounded in inductive reasoning, allowing findings to emerge organically from both the researcher’s objectives and the systematic examination of the collected data (Mohammadpour, 2018). The study population comprises professors specializing in physical education and sports sciences at Iranian universities, with particular emphasis on those engaged in sports management and motor behavior research, each having contributed at least two scholarly publications on the subject. In addition, the study includes education specialists with a minimum of five years of continuous experience working with children, public sports elites such as officials from children’s sports associations, and individuals actively involved in educational and public sports as well as talent identification. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, providing an avenue for in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives and experiences. The sampling strategy was purposive, ensuring that all participants possessed the requisite expertise and relevant experience. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached, indicating that no novel themes or insights were forthcoming from additional interviews.
 Findings
The comprehensive analysis of interview data yielded an initial set of fifty-three concepts related to talent identification in children’s sports. These concepts were subsequently refined and synthesized into sixteen more abstract sub-themes, which enhanced coherence and facilitated a deeper level of analysis and interpretation. Upon further examination, these sixteen sub-themes were integrated into six overarching thematic categories. The first category pertains to formal aspects, encompassing institutional frameworks and policies that govern talent identification. The second category relates to educational dimensions, including training programs and curricula designed for coaches and educators. The third category addresses support and standardization, focusing on the provision of resources and the establishment of guidelines to ensure consistent and effective talent identification practices. The fourth category involves social factors, highlighting the role of community involvement and prevailing societal attitudes toward sports. The fifth category encompasses capitalistic considerations, reflecting the importance of financial investments and economic factors in talent development. The final category concerns advertising, emphasizing the significance of promotion and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing talent identification initiatives. Collectively, these themes illustrate the multifaceted nature of talent development in children, integrating social, scientific, cultural, and educational components. The findings underscore the necessity of adopting a holistic approach to talent identification, one that synthesizes these diverse factors into a unified and comprehensive developmental framework.
 iscussion
The results of the study emphasize the critical need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to talent identification within children’s sports. It is imperative that facilitators and coaches acquire familiarity with the most current and effective methods of talent identification, with such knowledge serving as a key criterion in their professional evaluation. Equally important is the need to adequately inform families regarding the methodologies, processes, and anticipated outcomes of talent identification, thereby ensuring their active engagement and support throughout the process. One promising strategy for generating high-quality educational content on this topic involves convening the various stakeholders involved in children’s talent development. Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative platforms, knowledge exchange can be facilitated, and innovative solutions can be developed. It is incumbent upon the Ministry of Sports and Youth, along with its affiliated organizations, to accord priority to the implementation of the solutions identified in this study. The findings clearly indicate that a unidimensional approach to talent identification is insufficient; rather, a comprehensive, umbrella-like framework that integrates the identified factors is essential for achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Conclusion
The advancement of talent identification in children’s sports necessitates a multifaceted strategy that addresses formal institutional policies, educational programs, social engagement, economic investment, and promotional activities. By embracing the solutions proposed in this research, Iran is positioned to establish a robust and sustainable framework for talent identification, thereby fostering the development of future athletes and contributing significantly to the nation’s socio-economic advancement. In light of the study’s findings, several recommendations are proposed to facilitate this objective. The establishment of provincial talent identification centers, staffed by physical education specialists and graduates, would enable scientific monitoring and nurturing of children’s athletic potential across diverse disciplines. Enhancing media coverage through the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation’s prioritization of children’s sports and talent development programming would raise public awareness and support. Promoting collaboration among educators, coaches, policymakers, and other stakeholders is critical for the development and implementation of comprehensive talent identification strategies. Providing ongoing professional development for coaches and facilitators regarding the latest identification methodologies is essential to maintain high standards of practice. Finally, engaging families through education about the importance of talent identification and involving them actively in the process will strengthen the support network necessary for successful talent development. The implementation of these recommendations will enable Iran to construct a sustainable and effective system for talent identification in children’s sports, ensuring the discovery and cultivation of future champions.
Article Message
Targeted talent identification in children’s sports not only facilitates the emergence of national champions but also generates significant positive economic and social impacts by creating employment opportunities and reducing healthcare costs associated with physical inactivity. By identifying and nurturing sports talents from an early age, it is possible to cultivate a healthier, more active, and more productive generation, thereby making a substantial contribution toward the sustainable development of the country.