Mastering
The Gap.

Before Sport, Build the Athlete

Why General Physical Preparation Matters for Young Athletes  Youth sport provides huge opportunities for development — from technical skill acquisition to teamwork, communication, and leadership. Encouraging participation is unquestionably valuable.  But one question is often overlooked:  Are young athletes physically prepared for the demands their sport places on them?  Emerging research shows concerning trends in general physical readiness, rising overuse injuries, and increasing early specialisation. Together, these suggest a mismatch between exposure and preparation — raising important implications for long-term health, performance, and enjoyment.