The Pyramid Model for Sports Development

At the broad base, there are a large number of young beginners who are interested in learning the basics, having fun and developing fundamental movement skills. They experience gradual progression to regular participation in competitive structures and leagues, as well as school sport. 

Participants that show potential are identified and selected into representative groups and teams, where they focus on advancing their knowledge and skills with the support of specialist coaches and wider system support. 

Progression through the stages includes representation at town, district, county, regional and national level before progressing to competing internationally as a member of a National Age Group squad (NAGs). The narrow apex at the top of the pyramid represents the few elite athletes who compete on the world stage as professional and Olympians.

The approach is adopted by many sports as a systematic approach for the development, identification and selection of participants from a wide base through to elite.

Key features of the pyramid model

Broad Base: The foundation level emphasises an inclusive approach and mass participation with the greatest number of participants.

Narrow Apex: As you progress up the pyramid, there is a reduction in the number of participants at each stage, reflecting the higher levels of talent, skills required, commitment and dedication, and competition environments needed to progress.

Progression and Pathways: Each stage of the model builds on the skills and experiences acquired in the previous stage, providing participants a clear pathway from the base through to the elite level.

Support Systems: As participants progress through the stages of the pyramid, there is an increase in the level of resources and support available to them including greater expertise in coaching, access to better facilities, increases in training and practice opportunities and the wider sports science support. The competition environment and opportunities also increase.

Challenges of the pyramid model

Whilst the pyramid model provides an effective structure for sporting organisations, the approach does face several challenges:

1. Resource Allocation: Resources (contact time, facilities, support networks, funding assistance and coaching) tend to be concentrated towards the higher stages, often leaving grassroots and participation levels underfunded and lacking necessary facilities and coaching.
2. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Socioeconomic barriers limit access to pathway opportunities at the base of the pyramid, making it difficult for all individuals to participate and progress. Geographical challenges to attend training and access facilities also impact on the reach and opportunities for all.
3. Talent Identification and Development: Identifying, selecting and developing talent at the grassroots level can be inconsistent. Selection on the basis of current performance rather than future potential due to factors such as training age, growth and maturation, leads to participants with high potential being overlooked. 
4. Entry and Exit Pathways: May have a serious impact on the talent pipeline. Limited opportunities for participants who engage in a sport later to enter the pathway, reduced opportunities for participants to re-enter the pathway and poor experiences when exiting; all impact the quality of the experience. Individuals may struggle with transitioning between different stages, particularly from youth to adult levels, due to the significant increase in competition and expectations placed upon them.
5. Dropout Rates: High dropout rates can occur at various stages due to other ‘life’ priorities, lack of enjoyment, increases in commitment and competitive pressure, as well as burnout.  This reduces the size of the talent pool of participants to progress to the next stage of the pathway.
6.  Inequality and Bias: There can be biases and inequalities based on gender, race, or geographical location, affecting the opportunities, equality of development and support received by participants.
7. Sustainability: Emphasis placed on the top of the pyramid and success at the elite level may overshadow the importance of lifelong participation in sport and physical activity and the broader social, health and societal benefits of participation.
8. Pressure: As individuals progress up the pyramid, there is more pressure on them to perform, which can result in mental health and well-being issues, including stress and anxiety, which aren't always properly addressed.

These challenges highlight the need to have:

• equitable resource allocation across the stages
• inclusive approaches and rules
• multiple entry and exit opportunities with the appropriate level of support
• support networks in place to ensure that each stage successfully develops individuals at the appropriate level while fostering general well-being and access for all.

It also highlights the benefits of a wider developmental pathway, with multiple entry and exit opportunities as an individual navigates their own non-linear journey.