🏋️‍♂️ Beyond the Gym: How Parents and Coaches Can Power a Young Athlete’s Strength Journey

When it comes to youth athletic development, what happens outside the gym and field/court is just as important as what happens inside it. Strength and conditioning (S&C) isn’t just about lifting weights or running drills — it’s about building habits, belief and a strong foundation for long-term success. And at the heart of it all? Parents and coaches.

Here’s how you both play a vital role — and how, together, you can make a real difference.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents: The Home Advantage

You don’t need to be a personal trainer to support your child’s progress. Here's how you can help from home:

• Encourage Consistency
  Regular training builds momentum. Help your child build a routine and celebrate their effort — not just the outcomes.

• Prioritise Recovery
  Good sleep, balanced nutrition, and time to relax are all essential. Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy dinner and a reasonable bedtime.

• Model Healthy Habits
  Kids watch more than they listen. Show them what balanced living looks like — whether it’s a morning walk, stretching together, or making mindful food choices.

• Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Coach
  Support without pressure. Let the experts coach — your role is to build confidence, not critique technique.

🎯 Coaches: Creating the Right Environment

Coaches are in a powerful position to influence effort, mindset and learning. Here’s how to bring parents into the process:

• Educate and Include Parents
  Share what you're doing and why. When parents understand the “why” behind the programme, they’re more likely to reinforce good habits at home.

• Tailor the Journey
  Every child develops differently. Be ready to adjust, and work with parents to ensure their child isn’t being over or under-trained.

• Build Belief
  Small wins, encouragement and a focus on progress help young athletes grow in confidence. Let parents know how their child is improving beyond just the numbers.

• Foster a Growth Culture
  Let kids make mistakes, learn and enjoy the process. Invite parents to be part of that journey — not just spectators, but teammates.

🧠 Why It Matters

When coaches and parents work together, the athlete thrives.
They feel supported, understood and motivated — both at training and at home. And over time, this leads to better performance, fewer dropouts and healthier young people, on and off the pitch.

✅ Final Thought

Youth strength and conditioning is a team effort. Coaches bring the structure and expertise; parents bring the support and environment. Together, you create the conditions where young athletes can truly grow — physically, mentally and emotionally.

References
O’Donnell, K., Elliott, S.K. and Drummond, M.J., 2022. Exploring parent and coach relationships in youth sport: A qualitative study. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 14(7), pp.1023-1044.