Talent Selection in Portuguese National Futsal Teams

This study investigated the talent selection processes implemented in youth and adult national futsal teams. The initial database provided by the Portuguese Football Federation included 668 male futsal players, and statistical analysis was conducted with varying sample sizes. Binary logistic regressions were performed to determine the influence of futsal participation on the likelihood of achieving international status at the adult level. Subsequently, the age of first registration was plotted against the national team in which the first international appearance was recorded. Finally, the selection, re-selection, and de-selection of players from the under-17 youth national team to the adult team were described using frequencies and percentages. For the total sample, the results indicated that an earlier age at first registration, participation in the 1^st Division, involvement in foreign competitions, and engagement with multiple clubs increased the likelihood of being selected for the international team. The analysis also considered the year in which youth national teams were developed. Before 1999, players demonstrated earlier registration ages; however, the timing of starting futsal practice became less relevant to attaining international adult status after 1999. Furthermore, a negligible percentage of youth national team players progressed to the senior national team, highlighting the collectivist approach employed by futsal national coaches. The findings of this study suggest that the transition of talent from youth to adult national teams warrants further investigation. Coaches should develop strategies to promote the development of youth talent as they progress towards adult-level status.