Talent development and sports performance are shaped by a plethora of factors, including both individual and environmental determinants. While the role of individual attributes in athletes’ development and performance has been highlighted in the scientific literature, there is a growing interest in understanding the role played by environmental factors on these outcomes across different levels and contexts. This Research Topic seeks to foster an interdisciplinary discussion about this theme, bringing together researchers from diverse fields, including (but not limited to) sports science, psychology, sociology, and political studies. We expect to unravel how social support (e.g., family, coaches, clubs), cultural influences, access to resources, and national characteristics impact the long-term athlete’s development and performance outcomes. This comprehension can provide valuable information about training programs, policymaking, and the broader context of sports development that support the holistic development of athletes at all levels.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the relationship between the environment and sport, from athlete development through to peak performance. It will cover a broad spectrum, including different age groups (from childhood to old age), competitive levels (recreational, amateur, professional) and stages (from sports initiation to sports retirement), and sports disciplines. The purpose is to identify, analyse, and discuss the urge of environmental factors that influence athletic progression and success, through a multidisciplinary approach. Doing so is expected to provide information not only related to challenges in this process, but also with strategies to create environments capable of nurturing and enhancing the athletes’ potential.

- Social support systems for athletes’ development and performance: the role of family, peers, coaches and clubs
- Cultural and social influences on athletes’ development and performance: cultural norms, values, societal expectations and beliefs
- National and regional characteristics: how do countries/regions support athletes' development?
- Access to resources: how do access to facilities, equipment, funding, and education impact athletes' development across different countries and economic groups?
- Mental health: how the sports environment impacts athletes' mental health and what is its meaning, according to cultural, and social factors and supports
- Gender inequalities: how sports environment contributes to gender inequalities, and how to work to mitigate it
- Longitudinal studies: tracking athletes’ development over time, providing insight regarding the long-term effects of environmental factors
- Case studies: analysing successful sports programmes.

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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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