THE KEY TO SPORT TALENT DEVELOPMENT

CENTRALIZED PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN COACH APPRECIATION AND SUSTAIN COACHING CAREERS

Abstract

The effectiveness of talent development in sport largely depends on the professional and moral recognition of coaches, as well as on ensuring the long-term sustainability of their careers. This study aims to systematically examine the Hungarian state-supported coaching programs (Gerevich Scholarship, Key Coach Program, Development Coach Program, and Elite Youth Coach Program) with regard to their impact on professional advancement, recognition, and career sustainability. A two-step research design was applied. First, a document analysis using the READ approach, followed by targeted semistructured interviews with representatives of state administration and four senior coaching professionals or federation coaches working in Olympic success sports. The findings indicate that the programs form a logically structured system that outlines a transparent career path from entry level to the professional peak. Qualification and continuous education requirements act as institutional safeguards ensuring high-quality coaching practice. These support schemes reduce existential insecurity, enable more focused professional work, and help prolong coaching careers, particularly in individual Olympic sports. In team sports, however, the TAO (Corporate Tax) system provides an alternative financial framework, making individual support programs less central. From2026 onward, the Gerevich Scholarship will be available exclusively to athletes, which further strengthens the structured, employment-based, and officially regulated framework of coaching support schemes. In conclusion, the current system offers a stable and predictable environment for coaching career development and professional growth. Future research should include sport-specific impact assessments and longitudinal career tracking to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of these programs.