Player migration and talent development in elite sports teams: a comparative analysis of inbound and outbound career trajectories in Danish and Norwegian women’s handball
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2015-04-28Metadata
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Original version
Scandinavian Sport Studies Forum. 2015, 6, 1-26Abstract
The conditions for national sport systems and talent development efforts are changing
with the globalisation of sports. In the present study we explored the relationship between
domestic talent development and the immigration of players from abroad through
a comparative multiple-case study of Danish and Norwegian women’s handball. Quantitative
data demonstrated how there has been a remarkable increase in not only the number,
but also the performance level of immigrant players arriving into Danish women’s
handball, in particular, in the first decade of the 2000s. Qualitative interviews were conducted
with 12 experienced coaches and sport directors who have in-depth knowledge
of group dynamics in elite handball. Using Lave and Wenger’s theory of situated learning
in communities of practice the analysis demonstrated the ambiguous consequences
of considerable immigration on the position and learning situation of domestic talent.
Inbound trajectories of domestic talent may be supported by apprenticeship from many
skilled role models (e.g. immigrant players), while an outbound trajectory may also appear,
specifically if the young domestic players are continually hampered from participation
in matches. It seems that it is not the high number of players from abroad, per se, that
may block the development of local young talent, but first and foremost the structuring
of training and match practices in the clubs and national leagues.
Description
© Sine Agergaard, Lars Tore Ronglan 2015