Fellows Book Online Version 2020

52 likely to become increasingly important as clubs look to maximise the development of talent. Frameworks for athlete physical development typically combine both best practice and experience underpinned by high-quality up-to-date research. Research in football frequently provides evidence regarding the efficacy and application of a myriad of technical, tactical, physical and psychological factors, which allow practi- tioners to make evidence-based decisions on the practices they may employ within an applied setting. In contrast, as in other sports, there is limited information re- garding the organisational structures and working practices adopted by medical and performance departments as they strive to maximise effectiveness of their support to players. There is likely a variety of approaches applied in practice by elite football clubs across the world due in part to differences in financial resources as well as cultural influences of different countries. The Aspire Fellows is a community of professional football clubs and their staff who engage regularly to promote best practice in elite football training and perfor- mance. This community meet annually to discuss a range of current topics on youth football and share their club practices. This community provides a unique opportu- nity to gain an understanding of current practices and perceptions of staff regard- ing the efficacy of their Academy organisational structure and working practices via a survey that the community will be invited to complete. An understanding of common professional practices is of interest not only to the clubs and practitioners but to researchers as it can identify specific areas that may warrant investigation. This novel study in the area of applied sports sciences was unveiled for the first time at the last Aspire Academy Global Summit 2020 – Fellows Talks. The resulting outcomes will be shared within the Aspire Fellows community by the beginning of 2021 and elaborated for potential submission as a peer-reviewed publication.