Written by Caitlan Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist
M.Sports Medicine (completion date 2022) M. Physio, & B. Ex. and Sport Sc.
Head of Performance at Gladesville Ravens.
High performance sport is becoming increasingly important in our world and as a result, stakeholders are making large financial investments to develop strategic and systematic approaches to developing athletes. This is pushing talent identification earlier and earlier. So, to keep up with this development programs now occur at youth levels. Children are not mini adults and therefore maturation status must be accounted for when planning a program and pathway to elite athlete status.
Gold standard programming must include the unique variables and understanding of:
- Physical development relative to age and training history
- Nutrition relative to education and performance level
- Injury risk relative to age-related changes and training demands
At Healthfix in our gym in North Sydney, we understand these underlying principles and have systemised programs to give our athlete’s the best chance of making their dreams come true.
An integral part of any high performance program is strength and conditioning. The development of not only a player’s technical ability but their physical capabilities has become increasingly important, with players who can out run, out jump and dominant their opposition on the ball have increased their selection chances and decreased their injury risk. Not only do we teach our athletes the correct movement patterns and improve their confidence in the gym environment but also development their athletic potential, giving the best chance to be the best athlete they can be.
Who would benefit from a Youth Athlete development program?
- School aged youth 10-17 ·
- Youth athletes looking for that extra edge over their competitors
- Want to enhance performance characteristics related to their sport
- Need a more robust gym program to supplement their sport
If you are interested in more information on our Young Guns Program please get in touch [email protected]