What does strength training look like for a young athlete?
If you are a parent looking into strength training for young athletes, you want to know it suits your child and what it will actually involve. Here is how I do it in Rainham, Kent.
How I coach young athletes
- Planned around them. I take each child’s age, ability and physical development into account, and adjust as they grow.
- Built for their sport. A footballer, a swimmer and a sprinter need different things.
- Technique first. We build good movement and sound technique before anything else.
- Understanding why. They learn the purpose of each exercise, so they can use the gym wisely as they get older.
What sessions focus on
- Strength and power
- Mobility and movement quality
- Speed and athletic development, including sprint technique, jumps and throws for athletics
- Confidence in the gym
Who will coach your child
I have been involved in sport since the age of five and competed at national level in decathlon in Greece. I hold an MSc in Strength & Conditioning and the CSCS qualification, and I coach young athletes, including primary-school-age children.
“…to trust a fellow fitness professional with your own son shows trust in their knowledge, professionalism and strategies… I have seen my son not only develop physically but watch his confidence grow..”
Mel Y., parent and fitness professional · Google review
Frequently asked questions
From what age can my child train with you?
I coach young athletes, including primary-school-age children, with training suited to their age and stage.
Who should make the enquiry?
Please apply as their parent or guardian, and tell me their age, sport and what they would like help with.
Where are sessions and what do they cost?
Sessions are in Rainham, Kent. Current rates are on the fees page.
Is strength training safe during growth spurts?
I take each child’s physical development into account and adjust their training as they grow, and technique always comes first. If your child has an injury or a medical condition, tell me when you apply so I can plan around it.
How often should my child train?
It depends on their age, their sport and how much they already train, so we agree it together. Sessions are booked in 4-week blocks, starting from one session a week.
Can you work around my child’s sport schedule?
Yes. Tell me about their training and competition schedule when you apply, and we agree regular days and times that fit around it.
Do you coach athletics events too?
Yes. Athletics sessions can include sprint technique, running mechanics, speed development, long jump, shot put and javelin.
Do you coach adults as well?
Yes. I coach adults as well as young athletes in Rainham, Kent, and online coaching is available in the UK and worldwide.
What happens after I apply?
I read every application myself and reply with the right next step. We then talk through your child’s goals and agree the right sessions, fees and support before they start.
Ready to talk?
Read more on the sports and youth coaching page, or Apply for coaching