Youth Performance Training in Solihull
Safe, age-appropriate strength, speed and agility training for young athletes, coached by specialists in youth and academy development.
We believe every young athlete deserves the same standard of care as a professional. Our youth performance training helps young people develop strength, speed, agility and resilience safely, while building the confidence and discipline that support them on and off the pitch.
Programmes are led by Oli Lowe, who specialises in developing youth and academy players at Birmingham City FC, with the support of our Clinical Director, Dave Hunt, a physiotherapist and strength and conditioning specialist with a deep commitment to working with young athletes. Whether your child is just starting out or aiming for the next level in their sport, training takes place in our performance gym in Earlswood, Solihull.
Built for growing bodies
Young athletes are not small adults. Growing bodies need training that takes account of physical maturity, training age and the demands of their sport, as well as the growth-related aches and injuries that can come with busy schedules.
Our approach follows the principles of long-term athlete development. Rather than chasing short-term results, we focus on the movement skills, strength and physical qualities that give young people a strong foundation for the years ahead, with injury prevention built into every programme.
What youth performance training develops
Who youth performance training is for
Every programme is tailored to the individual athlete, their sport and their stage of development. We work with:
- Young people starting out in sport or the gym
- Grassroots and club players
- Academy players and those aiming for academy level
- Young athletes who play more than one sport
- Young athletes returning after an injury
If you are unsure whether youth performance training is right for your child, get in touch and we will talk it through.
How we work with young athletes
Talk it through
We start with a conversation with the athlete and their parent or guardian about their sport, goals, training load and any injury history.
Test and assess
Performance testing, which can include VALD ForceDecks, gives us an objective picture of strengths and areas to develop.
Individual plan
Each young athlete follows a plan built around their sport, their stage of development and their personal goals.
Monitor progress
Progress is reviewed regularly, so training can be adjusted as the athlete grows, develops and takes on more.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation support
We prioritise safe training practices, and injury prevention work is part of every programme. When a young athlete does pick up an injury, our physiotherapy team works under the same roof, so assessment, rehabilitation and the return to training can be joined up.
Our Clinical Director, Dave Hunt, understands the unique physical and developmental needs of young athletes. You can read about how we use force plate testing to guide recovery in our article on VALD ForceDecks.
Meet the performance team
Oli Lowe, our Lead Performance Coach, is an S&C Coach at Birmingham City FC, where he specialises in developing youth and academy players. He is UKSCA accredited, holds a Master's degree in Sports Science and uses tools such as VALD ForceDecks to monitor progress and support balanced strength development.
Dave Hunt, our Clinical Director, has 17 years of experience in elite sport and is a physiotherapist, certified Sports Scientist and strength and conditioning specialist. He has a deep commitment to working with young athletes and adolescents, providing specialised care that supports their long-term health and development.
Why choose Ascension for youth performance training?
Youth performance training questions
What age is youth performance training for?
Programmes are tailored to each young person's age, stage of development and experience, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Please contact us with your child's age and sport, and we will advise whether youth performance training is the right fit.
Is strength training safe for young athletes?
Strength training that is age-appropriate, well coached and sensibly progressed can be a valuable part of a young athlete's development. Our coaches take physical maturity and training age into account, with the focus on good technique and gradual progression.
Does my child need to play at an academy?
No. We work with young athletes of all ability levels, from those just starting out to academy players, and every programme is built around the individual.
Can you help if my child has an injury?
Yes. Injury prevention is built into every programme, and our team understands growth-related conditions as well as sports injuries. If your child is injured, our physiotherapy team can assess them and support their rehabilitation before training progresses.
How do I book?
You can book online, call us on 01564 637 358 or send a message through our contact page.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions take place in our performance gym at Unit 2, Rumbush Farm Business Park, Rumbush Lane, Earlswood, Solihull, B94 5LW.
Give your young athlete a strong foundation
Book a consultation at our Earlswood gym to talk through your child's sport, goals and development.
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