In collaboration with Professor Adam L. Kelly (BCU RAYSD Lab), Dr Adrien Sedeaud, and Dr Audrey Difernand (IRMES and INSEP), Elie Rambaud’s doctoral research focuses on estimating potential and mapping possible developmental trajectories within a top-level football academy. The project seeks to move beyond traditional selection biases—such as relative age, biological maturity, and training age—to propose a more equitable approach to talent identification and development. Through innovative research methods and interdisciplinary collaboration, this work aims to deepen our understanding of the factors that influence long-term success in elite football.
Part One: Influence of Relative Age and Biological Age on Performances and Injuries
The first phase of this project involves conducting a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on how relative age and biological age influence the estimation of potential in young footballers. Building on this theoretical foundation, the study will then explore how the tempo and timing of biological maturation affect the risk of growth-related injuries, using a method based solely on players’ height data. A second line of inquiry will examine the impact of relative and biological age on athletic performance, with the aim of developing a recalibration method that adjusts performance metrics accordingly. This approach is designed to support fairer, more individualised evaluations of young players’ potential, helping to minimise the impact of developmental biases.
Part Two: Constructing an Index and Monitoring Performance – Understanding the Trajectories and Determinants of Success in a Football Academy
The second phase of this project focuses on developing a multidimensional performance index to track the progression of individual players within the academy. This index will integrate key variables across multiple performance domains—technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and social—to offer a comprehensive, dynamic, and context-sensitive view of each athlete’s development. By mapping these trajectories over multiple seasons, the project aims to deepen our understanding of the factors that shape performance and progression, while accounting for the unique and varied nature of each player's pathway. Ultimately, this system is designed to support more nuanced talent evaluation and provide evidence-based guidance for coaches and decision-makers.