Early diversification rather than specialization as predictor of elite performance in selected soccer academies in Ghana

Abstract

Sporting activities are no more participated in for healthy life style only but for talent exploration and development leading to successful career. The career prospect in sports increases but with associated competition which demands thorough approach to talent development. This study examines the contribution and benefits of early diversification with late specialization versus early specialization model of teaching sport activities in physical education classes at basic schools level in Ghana. Primary data was collected by interviewing 8 Professional Soccer Coaches, 6 Physical Education Teachers and 56 soccer academy players. The result shows that early diversification with late specialization is the ideal strategy for identifying the broader spectrum of children potentials and developing them to higher professional level. It is a pre-condition for specialization, and its effectiveness leads to developing multiple skills that gives competitive advantage globally. The duration an individual spends in diversification is dependent on the capability to engage in multiple roles effectively with the minimum being up to 11years of age, and the maximum being up to 20 years of age. The development and teaching of early diversification programme for children in basic schools cover broad areas with benefits that span across behavioural development and skills acquisition. Some of the recommendations made were that, the curriculum focusing on early diversification programme should be structured, standardized and deployed in the teaching of physical education in schools. Also the curriculum and related manuals produced should be part of sports education and easily accessible to coaches, sports associations and clubs. Moreover, specialization should be widened to include at least two areas of positions where possible as a matter of gaining competitive advantage in the child‟s future career.