[hlnx1]

Children born early in the selection year can be almost a year older than teammates born late in the same year. In childhood that difference is physically huge.

The consequences:

• Academy squads are heavily skewed towards players born in the first months of the year
• Talented late-born or late-maturing children can be dropped early
• Early maturers stand out now, but that doesn’t always predict adult success

Some clubs are trying “bio-banding”, grouping players by biological maturity rather than age. More: biological age and talent selection.

Have you noticed this in your team?

[hlnx1]

A quick check for coaches: list your squad’s birth months. If January to March births clearly dominate, it may be worth looking at how players are selected.

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