What does talent in sport look like?

A multidisciplinary conversation that aims to bridge the perspectives of researchers, coaches, scouts and parents — the key stakeholders involved in identifying, developing and supporting athletic talent.

Presented by: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Lectures & workshops

African Canadian woman with braided hair pulled up into a ponytail in a girls locker room writing notes on a clipboard with her team in the background

This virtual event will highlight the multifaceted nature of talent in sport — encouraging participants to think critically about how it’s defined, measured and supported across sport systems, while fostering collaboration between academic and professional communities. The online discussion will explore core themes and questions, such as:

What are the core issues researchers face when studying talent identification and development?
What are the key challenges for scouts, coaches and parents in recognizing and nurturing potential?
How can we better appreciate the complexity of talent in sport?
What can be done to improve the conversation and decision-making around talent selection?

Speakers include:

Joe Baker, a professor of sport science and the Tanenbaum Chair in Sport Science, Data Modelling and Sports Analytics at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research interests include human skill acquisition, sport performance, talent identification and development, and expertise and exercise performance.
Luc Tremblay, a professor of sensorimotor control and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research interests include multisensory integration (vision, proprioception and audition), neuromotor control of voluntary action, use of sensory information as a function of practice, and neuromotor training and rehabilitation.
Devin Pleuler, the Sr. Director of Research & Development at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment where he leads the Sport Performance Lab, a cross-sport innovation group that works on shared research interests across team operations.
James Brough, Director of Performance Pathways at the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario where he leads a section of the organization designed to drive success in Ontario’s high-performance sport system through strategic investment in athletes and sport programs. Since relocating to Canada from Australia in 2005, James has held progressive positions within the Canadian sport system.
Lou Farah, Hockey Research & Development Analyst at the Toronto Maple Leafs. His work involves using data analytics to help guide decisions on all hockey operations matters, including amateur & professional scouting, as well as player development.