Artificial Intelligence in Talent Identification and Development in Sport

Talent identification and development in sport are complex processes that often produce large, multidimensional datasets. Technological approaches powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) potentially offer an effective and efficient method to help interpret such information. Research conducted on talent identification and development processes in youth sport contexts using AI have not been well synthesised. As such, the primary purpose of the present chapter is to provide an overview of contemporary investigations in this particular field of research. The chapter begins by outlining talent identification and development systems in sport before briefly describing the concept of AI. Subsequently, studies using AI to investigate research questions related to any of the inter-connected phases within talent identification and development processes are summarised. This is followed by an example of how AI is currently being employed in youth sport settings to support recruitment strategies. Finally, some strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of AI in this field of research are highlighted.