Identifying Factors Affecting Talent Identification in Grassroots Football in Iran

Introduction: Talent identification in grassroots football is of particular importance as a foundation for the development of professional players, and identifying the factors affecting it plays a key role in improving educational and management programs.
Methods: The present study used a qualitative approach and content analysis to identify the factors affecting talent identification in grassroots football. The statistical population included coaches, experts, and managers of grassroots football academies who had significant practical and scientific experience in the field of talent identification. The samples were selected using purposive sampling to include individuals with knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of the talent identification process in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then analyzed using the Brown and Clark (2006) thematic analysis method. This process included open coding, identification of sub-themes and main themes.
Results: The results showed that five main themes, individual and family factors, cultural and social factors, educational and coaching factors, organizational and media factors, and infrastructure and economic factors, influence talent identification.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the development of grassroots football requires a comprehensive and multidimensional view and that simultaneous attention to individual, social, educational and organizational factors can improve the path of talent development and development. These results can help design effective and sustainable talent identification policies and programs at the national and club levels.