Children who enjoy sport and exercise tend to stay active throughout their lives. Staying fit can help improve your child's self-esteem and help your teen learn to meet challenges.

Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.

The Academy section applies to players within the 12 - 18 age group, whose needs and training approach differ from those of adults. Physical maturation within this group also varies which endorses the importance of supervision and safety. We will aim to provide a framework for exercise selection but you must consider the maturation stage of the individual.

The primary factors during any exercise session with academy age players are enjoyment,
safety and supervision.

Fitness is essentially an inherent benefit of skills training and games. Formal fitness sessions should be avoided up to the age of 14 except for those that focus on the starting blocks.

The key difference between adult and academy training regimes is the avoidance of maximal
lifting and high intensity training

The issue of injuries and influences on growth are often questioned, with particular reference to weight training at an early age. However, a properly designed and supervised resistance training program is not only safe for children but can increase strength, enhance motor fitness skills, overall health and actually reduce the chances of injury.