Edinburgh Napier University

  Literature in talent development for female sports is sparse and assumes applicability from existing male talent development research. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the talent development pathway within Scottish female football. Five expert coaches and five international players were interviewed regarding their experiences in Scottish female football. Key findings demonstrated the key stages and transitions of the development pathway and the main constrains of effective development (insufficient coach education, limited resources). Support from the association and regional coaches, coherency and growth culture were the factors associated with the existing talent development environment. Participants reported psychological characteristics such as resilience, motivation, taking ownership for personal development, and decision making as essential to reach at elite level. Practical implications include integration of sport psychologists in the development pathway, widening participation, coach education and increased funding for female football.