Paudie Roche unpacks two decades of long-term athlete development (LTAD) across Munster Rugby and Arsenal, stressing clear end goals, evidence-and-experience-based practice, and non-negotiables like multidisciplinary buy-in, planned progressions/regressions, and psychosocial care. He contrasts male/female maturation, highlights character and intent, and shares real-world pathways from academy to first team.