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ORAL ABSTRACTS - THURSDAY, 21 MAY 2015formal coach education provision which they consider would essentially enhance the number ofwomen football coaches who enter and progress through the coach education process.S15.5What makes an elite under 13 player? The attributes talent identifiers consider important forelite youth performancePaul Larkin, D O'ConnorThe University of Sydney, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Sydney, AustraliaThe attributes that contribute to skilled performance in soccer have been widely investigated,however, there is still limited understanding of what attributes elite youth talent identifiers look forwhen identifying elite youth players. Therefore, this investigation used a modified Delphi researchmethod to understand what attributes elite youth talent identifiers consider important for eliteperformance at an under 13 level. Australian state youth technical directors (n = 8) and under 13state team coaches (n = 12) completed a three stage process, including an initial interview andsubsequent questionnaires, whereby each identified attribute was rated according to the importanceto elite youth player performance. Results indicated elite youth talent identifiers consider technicalskills, such as first touch, the ability to strike the ball and ability in an attacking and defending oneversus one situation, as the most important attributes to consider when identifying elite under 13players. The findings make a significant contribution by providing the initial evidence to suggestAustralian elite youth talent identifiers consider technical skills more important for elite youthunder 13 players, compared to physical (e.g., speed, power), tactical (e.g., decision-making,anticipation, game understanding), and psychological (i.e., attitude, confidence) attributes.14:30 - 15:30S16 CAREER PATHWAYS AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT - PART IS16.1Role of mentorship in an effective talent development environment for a female recreationalsoccer clubPeter SchneiderLeipzig University, Department of Sport Science, Leipzig, GermanyThe number of women involved in soccer in Germany has doubled in the last ten years, yet youngwomen continue to dropout early from the sport. Environmental Success Factors (ESF) in eliteyouth soccer have been shown to increase later success in the sport. Therefore this study seeks to 1)identify a successful talent development environment in women's youth soccer, 2) identify the roleof mentors in increasing life-long interest in playing soccer, and 3) provide an applicable structurefor other female soccer clubs. Methods included multiple interviews regarding experiences ofplayers, coaches, parents, and staff in and around the club environment. Players from the 1st and2nd women's teams were given mentorship roles involved in U17 and U15 practices, and U17players were involved in social activities with the women's teams. Many ESF in elite soccer were99