A method and system is provided for screening and identifying athletes that have the highest potential within their chosen sport and providing a training and development environment for these athletes at the elite and super elite level of their respective sport. The system employs a nine part integrated system that is structured in a manner that assists in identifying those player that are the most able to benefit from intensive training to move them from a top-level athlete to an elite athlete. The steps generally include prescreening, athlete selection, pre-training/preparation, intensive training, progress monitoring, player family support and communication, cultural exposure, professional career placement and post career support and counseling. In this context, a comprehensive approach is provided for identifying talented athletes and providing a training and development environment for these athletes.