Elite level achievement in football can, besides the training in the club, be advanced through elite sport schools at the upper secondary school. This systematic talent development environments are of central interest in this study. Previous research in the area have been extensive, and with a particular focus on football academies and environmental success factors (e.g., Cooper, 2021; Larsen et al, 2013). To date, research undertaken has not in any greater extent taken into consideration non-club environments such as the upper secondary school specialization in Sweden (2-3 trainings/week during school hours). A dual career program for 16-year-old ones in order to achieve international top-level in sport (Lund, 2014). Drawing on questionnaire and interview data from men and women that at the age of 15 were selected to a national talent program this study focuses on the consequences of upper secondary school specialization for elite football in adulthood. Findings from the questionnaire data showed that football specialization schools did not increase the likelihood for playing elite football at the age of 21. The analysis of players experiences of upper secondary football schools showed that the understandings of school specialization for developing as a football player can be found in the players background, present level as well as the school activities. In conclusion the findings provide insights about sport specialization within the context of football.