The field of young athletes' physical development is a crucial area encompassing their overall growth and sports training. Sports academies are at the forefront of managing this development, primarily preparing athletes across various disciplines. Although geared toward performance enhancement, the methodologies applied can significantly impact an athlete's long-term physical progression. Current concerns arise when immediate performance takes precedence, leading to potentially biased or accelerated training approaches that may compromise long-term outcomes. This has sparked ongoing debates on the merits and challenges of early sports specialization, particularly in how it affects young athletes' physical and psychological wellbeing.

Recent studies have highlighted several key findings in this domain: early specialization can provide short-term competitive benefits but also poses risks, such as increased injury rates, burnout, and a potentially reduced athletic lifespan, ultimately impeding longer-term career prospects. Additionally, a prevalent issue in sports academies and clubs is the transparency — or lack thereof — regarding training methodologies. The secrecy of these programs is often justified as preserving competitive edge, but it limits researchers', coaches', and athletes' understanding of training principles and efficacy. In recognition of these challenges, it becomes crucial to explore and analyze how these factors intersect with athletes' physical and holistic development.

This Research Topic aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the various elements influencing the physical and psychological progression of young athletes within structured sports environments. Goal-driven research should address the effectiveness and implications of existing training methodologies, evaluate the impact of competition formats, and scrutinize the potentially conflicting priorities between short-term performance and sustainable development. Researchers are called to investigate these dynamics to contribute to the establishment of evidence-based practices that collectively enhance sports training and management.

To gather further insights into the training methodologies employed within sports structures and academies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Analysis and outcomes of different training methodologies in the physical development of young athletes.

- Effects of competition structures and organizational models on athletes' physical and psychological progression.

- Assessment and comparison of athletes' physical performance based on their maturational status.

- Influence of psychological and emotional factors on the physical development of young athletes in sports academies.

- Influence of socioeconomic factors on access to and quality of physical training for young athletes.

- Impact of training overload on the musculoskeletal system of young athletes.

- Longitudinal designs on training and its impact on athletes' physical condition.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

The Impact of Training Methodologies on the Physical and Psychological Development of Young Athletes