ABSTRACT
In the opening chapter of the book, Cobley, Baker and Schorer provide an introductory backdrop to the chapters that follow. The chapter first characterises the international expansion in sporting talent identification and development in research and practice terms. Second, the chapter provides definitions and explanations related to key terms and concepts that are thematic across chapters, namely: talent, talent identification, talent development and talent development systems. Whilst explaining terms and concepts, criticality and application to practitioners is provided. Further, connections to individual contributing chapters and their topics of focus are highlighted.
