ICOACHKIDS+ What makes a holistic talent development environment? Exploring the Why, the What and the How

Talent development environments (TDEs) are commonplace in sporting talent systems. National teams, clubs and sport programmes often fund and organise TDEs with the aim of developing future high-performance athletes. Although pursuing an elite sporting career can be an enriching experience, it is an intensive and long-term endeavour. It inherently carries a high level of physical, psychological and social challenge which needs to be managed appropriately to minimise detrimental impacts to athletes and maximise the potential benefits of TDE involvement. Consequently, calls have been made for holistic development approaches in talent development. This article presents the why, what and how of establishing holistic TDEs including six key principles of good practice.