European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 18, 7 (2025) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2025.001

A multidisciplinary investigation into talent identification process in blind soccer: A Delphi and analytical hierarchy process study

Morteza Tafah1,, Ali Shamsi Majelan1*,, Fariba Mohammadi2
1 Department of Adapted physical education, Guilan University, Guilan, Iran
2 Department of Sports Medicine, Sports sciences research institute, Tehran, Iran

Talent identification programs will pave the way for participation of people with impairments in sports and are important for achieving success in the Paralympic Games. The aim of this study was to identify and rank the important factors for talent identification in 5-a-side soccer. The expert panel participated in a three-phase e-Delphi study to reach consensus on important factors for talent identification in 5-a-side soccer. Experts included 5-a-side soccer coaches and talent scouts, 5-a-side soccer players, and experts in the field of sports for individuals with visual impairments. Consensus was reached on 56 factors (categorized into six criteria), which were then subjected to an analytical hierarchy process. Tactical skills (0.254) ranked first, which composed of factors such as spatial orientation and verbal communication. Secondary to tactical skills, technical skills (0.207), including skills such as dribbling and ball control, were identified as factors of great importance. Physiological and physical fitness factors (0.189) ranked third, composed of factors such as sound reaction time and agility. This was followed respectively by anthropometrical factors (0.170), psychosocial factors (0.117), and impairment-related factors (0.063). Therefore, 5-a-side soccer players are required to have various characteristics to be successful in this sport, with tactical/technical skills perceived as the most essential factors.

Keywords: Paralympic sports; 5-a-side football; Visual impairments; Individuals with impairments.

Received: January 4, 2023; Revised: December 7, 2024; Accepted: January 29, 2025; Published online: June 9, 2026  Show citation

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Tafah, M., Majelan, A.S., & Mohammadi, F. (2025). A multidisciplinary investigation into talent identification process in blind soccer: A Delphi and analytical hierarchy process study. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 18, Article 7. https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2025.001
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