Selection and re-selection throughout a national talent pathway: Exploring longitudinal relative age effects in Northern Ireland male soccer

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal prevalence of relative age effects (RAEs) across playing levels and positions in Northern Ireland international male soccer. Birthdates of U17 (n = 276), U19 (n = 320), U21 (n = 331), and senior (n = 108) international players between 2011 and 2023 were recorded. Chi-square tests and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to compare observed and expected birthdate distributions. A selection bias toward relatively older players was evident at U17 and U19 playing levels as well as defensive and midfield positions. In contrast, more relatively younger senior and forward players were selected. Longitudinal analyses revealed that of those players who were initially selected at U17, more relatively older players were re-selected at subsequent playing levels, but there were no birthdate asymmetries amongst new players added after U17. The results of this study demonstrate RAEs are prevalent across Northern Ireland international male soccer and are influenced by playing level as well as position. These findings have important implications for policy makers and practitioners for emerging soccer nations, as relatively older players are overrepresented at youth but not senior level, which questions the efficacy of existing talent pathways.