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10 Years of Youth Athletic Development: 3 Observations and Lessons we’ve Learned


Landscapes Change:


This is the single most important aspect to training. Physical literacy and Personal Training trends can, have and will change from the removal of Physical Education programs to Fitness Social Media Influencers.


We go over the past 10 years of observation of working with youth athletes.


The Importance of Physical Literacy:


Physical literacy lays the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle. It's crucial for youth athletes because it develops their ability to perform a wide range of movements and skills that are not only beneficial for sport but for overall health and well-being. Being physically literate means children can confidently participate in various physical activities, leading to improved fitness, better performance in sports, and reduced risk of injury.


The Impact of Removing PE Programs:


Over the past few decades, many educational systems globally, including in the United States, have seen a decline in the emphasis on PE due to budget constraints, increased focus on academic testing, and shifting educational priorities. This trend is concerning because PE programs play a critical role in developing physical literacy among children and adolescents. The reduction or elimination of these programs limits opportunities for students to engage in structured physical activity, learn fundamental movement skills, and understand the importance of an active lifestyle.


Consequences of Reduced Physical Literacy:


The decrease in opportunities for physical literacy development due to the removal of PE programs can have several negative consequences, including:


- Increased Sedentary Behavior: With fewer opportunities for physical activity during the school day, children may become more inclined toward sedentary behaviors, contributing to the rising rates of childhood obesity and related health issues.


- Diminished Motor Skills: Lack of exposure to a variety of physical activities can lead to underdeveloped motor skills, affecting children’s ability to participate in sports and recreational activities confidently.


- Lowered Physical Fitness: Regular participation in physical activities through PE contributes to cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. Without it, children may face challenges in achieving and maintaining physical fitness.


- Impact on Mental Health: Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhancing mood, and improving self-esteem. Reduced physical activity opportunities can negatively affect these aspects of mental health.


- Long-Term Health Implications: Early physical literacy is linked to sustained physical activity into adulthood. A lack of development in this area can lead to a less active lifestyle, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.


These factors have changed how the private sector operates and how parents became more financially responsible for athletic activities and performance.


Second thing we have greatly seen an increase in is Early Sport Specialization. There are some benefits if done correctly, however the pendulum swing has been too large.


Sport-Specific Training:


For soccer players, sport-specific training focuses on developing the skills, tactics, and physical attributes that are directly relevant to enhancing performance in soccer. This includes technical drills to improve ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as tactical understanding of the game. Physical components such as agility, speed, endurance, and strength are tailored to mimic the demands of a soccer match. For youth athletes, it's crucial that this training is age-appropriate, progressively challenging, and varied to ensure comprehensive development.


Early Sport Specialization:


Early sport specialization refers to young athletes focusing on a single sport from a very young age, often at the exclusion of other sports and activities. While specialization can provide the focused training necessary to excel in a specific sport, it is a topic of ongoing debate, especially concerning its timing and intensity.


Benefits of Early Specialization:


- Skill Mastery: Focused training in one sport can lead to earlier skill acquisition and mastery.


- Competitive Edge: Athletes may gain a competitive advantage over peers who diversify their sports participation.


- Scholarship Opportunities: For some, early specialization may increase the chances of securing college scholarships or elite training opportunities.


Risks of Early Specialization:


- Overuse Injuries: Repetitive stress on specific muscle groups and joints can increase the risk of overuse injuries.


- Burnout: Intense focus on a single sport without adequate rest or off-season can lead to mental and physical burnout.


- Limited Physical Literacy: Specializing early may limit the development of a broad range of motor skills and physical literacy that comes from engaging in multiple sports.


- Social Isolation: Exclusive focus on one sport can limit social interactions and experiences that come from participating in diverse activities.


Balancing Sport-Specific Training and Specialization:


1. Encourage Multisport Participation: Especially in early childhood and pre-adolescence, encourage athletes to participate in a variety of sports. This diversification can enhance overall motor skill development, prevent burnout, and reduce injury risk.


2. Gradual Specialization: As athletes approach late adolescence, gradually increasing the focus on soccer-specific training can be beneficial, allowing them to specialize while still minimizing risks. The timing of this specialization can vary based on individual maturity, interest, and developmental level.


3. Focus on Development, Not Just Competition:


Ensure that training emphasizes skill development, physical conditioning, and enjoyment of the game, rather than exclusively focusing on competition and outcomes.


4. Incorporate Periodization:


Use a periodized training approach that includes phases of varied intensity, skill focus, and rest. This can help manage physical and psychological stress, promoting long-term development and performance.


5. Monitor and Adjust:


Regularly assess the athlete's physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Be prepared to adjust training loads and focus based on these assessments to ensure a healthy, balanced approach to sport.


By thoughtfully integrating sport-specific training within a framework that is cautious of the risks of early specialization, you can support the holistic development of young soccer players, ensuring they not only excel in their sport but also maintain a healthy, lifelong engagement with physical activity.


This is why since our conception we've adopted the RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and Athlete Wellness Questionnaires to help reduce and mitigate stress and injury.


Rest and Recovery:


Emphasize the importance of adequate rest and recovery. This includes not only sufficient sleep but also active recovery days and the management of training loads to prevent overtraining and burnout.


Here's an insight to how the effects of screen time reduces recovery.


Impact of Increased Screen Time:


1. Sleep Disruption: One of the most significant impacts of increased screen time is its effect on sleep quality and duration. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. This can make it more difficult for athletes to fall asleep and stay asleep, reducing overall sleep quality and cutting into crucial recovery time.


2. Reduced Physical Recovery: High-quality sleep is essential for physical recovery. It’s during sleep that the body undergoes most of its repair processes, including muscle growth and repair, as well as recovery from the physical stress of training. Inadequate sleep due to excessive screen time can impair these processes, affecting performance and increasing the risk of injury.


3. Mental Fatigue: Beyond physical recovery, rest and recovery periods also allow for mental relaxation and rejuvenation. Excessive screen time, especially if it involves engaging with content that is stimulating or stress-inducing (e.g., social media, video games), can lead to increased mental fatigue and reduced cognitive recovery.


4. Reduced Physical Activity: Increased screen time can also lead to more sedentary behavior, reducing the time spent on physical activity. For youth athletes, balancing training with active recovery and low-intensity activities is essential. Too much screen time can tip this balance, affecting overall physical conditioning and recovery.


Strategies to Mitigate the Effects of Screen Time on Rest and Recovery:


1. Establish Screen Time Guidelines: Encourage athletes and their families to establish reasonable limits on screen time, especially during evening hours. Promoting awareness of the potential impact of screens on sleep and recovery can help in setting these boundaries.


2. Promote Good Sleep Hygiene: Educate athletes on practices that promote good sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and keeping bedrooms dark and comfortable. Highlight the importance of limiting screen exposure at least an hour before bedtime.


3. Encourage Active Recovery: Instead of passive activities like screen time, encourage active recovery methods that can also serve as a break from screens. This can include light physical activity, stretching, yoga, or even walking, which can aid in physical recovery and reduce mental fatigue.


4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teach athletes mindfulness and relaxation techniques as alternatives to screen time for relaxation. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can improve mental recovery and sleep quality.


5. Monitor and Adjust Training Loads: Be vigilant about signs of overtraining or inadequate recovery,



What Now....


For parents, coaches and athletes the biggest challenges will come down to what information to sift through and how to practically implement the information.


Physical Development


The most undervalued part of skill development is physical development. Developing proper motor and movement patterns is key to improving your technical performance.


The development should start with learning your baseline in fitness, strength and speed. These factors will determine how you should train.


Starting athletes young will help improve muscle quality, ligament and tendon strength through growth development.


Consider finding a program that offers semi Private to private training programs that are specifically designed for your athletes training age.


Schedule a Assessment Here


Long Term Athletic Development


Secondly, consider Long Term Athletic Training Programs that offer in season training programs that will continue to contribute to physical, emotional and overall performance.


Training in season gives the athlete a different stimulus or stress response than their skill or competition training.


Finding a trainer or gym that understands load, volume and intensity in season will help keep your athletes healthy and motivated.


In season training will also provide active recovery which will be necessary to maintain quality mobility and strength.



Recover More, Perform Higher


Recovery strategies should be in place and in part of your week to week schedule and training. For example, if your practice ends at 7:00 your recovery starts at 7:01 by completing active cool downs that include mobility and foam rolling. Don't know where to start, download FULL90+ here.


Having a weekly appointment for mobility training, yoga or stretch therapy could also keep you healthy and less stressed, providing your nervous system with the right tools to help you manage stress effectively.


Try our Athlete Wellness Program to start your recovery training.


To celebrate 10 years of training and providing athletes with key resources, we are offering a 20% discount for any service for a limited time using code: Ground20 at checkout



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