From child to athlete
Young athletes shouldn’t simply be smaller versions of adults — and their physical development shouldn’t be left to chance.
The MATCHFIT Method
The MatchFit Method is our research-led approach to developing movement competency, strength, speed and power throughout childhood and adolescence.
It considers where a young person is now — their growth, maturation, training experience and competency — and progressively develops the physical foundations for wherever their sport takes them.
Athletic development and strength and conditioning training for children and teenagers
Every child develops at a different rate. That’s why our programmes are designed around biological maturation, training experience and movement competency—not simply chronological age.
Whether your child is just beginning structured strength and conditioning or progressing towards higher-performance sport, our goal is to develop the physical qualities that underpin long-term athletic success.
Our programmes focus on:
- Movement competency – building the fundamental movement skills that underpin efficient and confident movement.
- Strength development – improving force production through age-appropriate, evidence-led resistance training.
- Speed and power – developing acceleration, sprinting mechanics and explosive athletic qualities.
- Coordination and control – particularly during periods of rapid growth when movement patterns can temporarily change.
- Long-term athletic development – ensuring each stage prepares your child for the next, rather than chasing short-term performance.
Every programme is designed to help young athletes become stronger, faster and more resilient while supporting long-term participation and performance in sport.
Start Your Child’s Free Athletic Development Assessment
Choosing the right training programme can be difficult, particularly when children of the same age can differ considerably in their stage of growth, physical development and training experience.
Our free Athletic Development Assessment and Programme Finder has been designed to help parents identify the most appropriate starting point within the MatchFit Method.
What you’ll receive
- An estimate of your child’s biological maturation (Years from Peak Height Velocity).
- An estimate of predicted adult height.
- A recommendation for the most appropriate MatchFit programme based on your child’s:
- Biological maturation
- Sex
- Previous strength and conditioning experience
- Previous MatchFit programme completion (where applicable)
You’ll also receive your results by email, together with guidance explaining what they mean and how to support your child’s long-term athletic development.
What happens next?
Once you’ve received your results, you can:
- Begin the recommended MatchFit programme.
- Book a 1:1 Athletic Development Consultation if you’d like personalised advice.
- Continue receiving evidence-led guidance through MatchFit resources and updates.
Need additional support?
If you’d like personalised advice before choosing a programme, book a 1:1 Athletic Development Consultation.
Trusted by parents and National Governing Bodies*
Led by Dr Mark Williams, Senior Lecturer in Sport Science, and Strength & Conditioning Lead for Basketball England’s Talent Pathway
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*Official Strength and Conditioning Digital Partner to Basketball England
