Comoy-Richardson, Elizabeth Lauren (2025) Stakeholder Perceptions of a Novel Maturity Corrected Reporting System for Performance Data within Professional Academy Football. Masters thesis, York St John University.

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Abstract

Player development lies at the heart of academy football, with clubs investing heavily in the identification and nurturing of talent (Reeves & Roberts, 2018; Sarmento et al., 2018). Selection decisions often rely on performance testing, yet athletes are grouped by chronological age despite large differences in biological maturation. Variations in growth affect physical performance, producing advantages for earlier maturing players (Hannon et al., 2020; Towlson et al., 2021).

These disparities contribute to maturity related biases in talent pathways, with later matures vulnerable to exclusion during key developmental stages (Güllich, 2014; Hill et al., 2023; Sweeney & Lundberg, 2024). Such effects challenge the inclusivity of academy systems and may reduce the diversity of athletes progressing into senior football. Subjective biases also shape how practitioners interpret and act on performance data, reinforcing structural inequalities (Golik & Blanco, 2021). While maturity correction models can adjust raw data to better reflect underlying ability, little is known about how stakeholders understand and apply such corrected outputs. This study investigates stakeholder comprehension, perceptions and training prescription recommendations when presented with maturity corrected reporting of performance data. A mixed methods design was used, combining novel dashboards with semi structured interviews involving academy coaches, sport scientists and support staff.

Stakeholders perceived dashboards that combined maturity correction with clear, simple design as most effective. Quantitative findings showed Dashboard C (Appendix 4) received the highest ratings for visual appeal, content quality and role relevance, while Dashboard A (Appendix 2) was rated lowest. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: enhancing clarity of data and enhancing decision making. Stakeholders noted that maturity correction improved interpretability, while straightforward visuals aided comprehension.

This study offers insights into the benefits and challenges of implementing maturity adjusted reporting systems, informing the design of tools that support equitable training prescription and reduce maturity bias in talent development.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV0557 Sports G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV0861-1017 Ball games: football, etc.
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/14040

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