Educating young people how to train effectively
Our Youth Fitness Academy (YFA) aims to work with children aged 10 to 15 of all abilities.
The YFA has been put together by experienced instructors who are highly qualified, hold enhanced DBS, First Aid and Insurance. To help children understand how to train and exercise correctly, each session will focus on three key principles;
- Fun
- Safety
- Correct form
Adolescence is a time of great growth and development—physically, emotionally and mentally. Our programme is structured and aims to keep instructions and demonstrations clear and simple. This way we will ensure any child joins the programme and is willing to listen, learn and improve their physical ability, can do so in a safe and supportive environment.
What can kids get out of strength training?
Supervised controlled strength training can:
- Increase children’s muscle strength.
- Help protect children’s muscles and joints.
- Help children improve when participating in sport.
- Teach children proper form.
Even for children who don’t want to play sports, strength training can:
- Strengthen bones.
- Help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Help maintain a healthy weight.
- Help kids feel good about themselves.
- Increase physical activity overall.
Strength training, not weightlifting
Don’t confuse strength training with weightlifting. Trying to build big muscles can put too much strain on young muscles, tendons and areas of cartilage that haven’t yet turned to bone, called growth plates.
The primary focus with young people, is on proper form and technique.
We want a gradual approach to physical development, if they are able to complete multiple quality reps with good form, that is much more beneficial to their long-term development.
All participating children must be aged 10 to 15 years old
- Maturity: The ability to listen and follow instructions
- Commitment: Able to attend all sessions
- Effort: Willingness to give us 100% effort and commitment
- Progression: Ability to develop technique, form and fitness levels
Sessions are term-time only. We aim to deliver sessions once a week, either on an early weekday evening or a Saturday morning. During school holidays we may however offer a day time activity club. Exact times / days shall be confirmed at the taster sessions.
Costs
Any child aged 11-15 who lives in the Weetslade Ward (Annitsford, Dudley, Burradon) can sign up to their first group for FREE (thanks to UKSPF funding)
During January 2026 we shall offer FREE taster sessions. Those who attend a free taster session and then agree to sign up before 31 Jan 2026 will get a 40% DISCOUNT from the first academy group.
Group One – February 2026
- Weetslade Ward 11-15yr olds: £FREE
- Taster rate: £18.00pp (for those who attend a free taster)
- 8 Week standard rate £30.00
All fees must be paid upon registration, once participation commences this is non-refundable.
To register your interest on one of our FREE taster sessions for your child, please use the form below
