The thesis explores the role of the family in the development of children's sporting talent in the UK, examining in particular the impact on the family of providing support. The study utilises youth competitors (aged 10–18 years) from three sports (swimming, tennis and gymnastics) and their respective family members (one/both parents and one sibling). The focal alms of the research are to identify the contributions made by the family to the development of children's talent in sport and to identify the impact on the family of providing such support.