This is excellent insight. Charlie and I developed a graph to show what a progression of technical, tactical and physical development in a player might look like. The key point is in developing players, technical ability must first be addressed, then tactical development. AT this point, probably in mid teen years, physical development will begin with weights, more formal fitness etc.
Even in many undeveloped nations, athletes around age 18 are selected for national teams, regional teams etc, and this is where their physical prep begins. Up til that point, they spend many hours, as mentioned above, playing in streets, maybe some leagues etc.
Unfortunately, because anyone can start a club team, we now have U7 travel teams playing for “national” titles etc. Also, in many clubs in my area, the best coaches are with the oldest teams. It would appear more logical to have the best technical coaches with the young players, and not the least experienced, as I have seen.
In the US, there are progressions for player development. I am curious about other countries as well.
Recreation–>club (Select)–>club (premier) –>academy team–>club/academy teams playing in regional leagues (compared to state leagues)—>multiregional leagues
On another track, is the process for selection for the national teams. State Olympic Development—>Regional teams—> national teams
There is a lot of political issues for borderline players at the state level, and because of it, many players do not tryout after U14 for these teams.
Will post more later when I have time.