Resistance training is increasingly recognised as a safe and effective way to improve the health, fitness and long-term physical development of children and adolescents. This article examines the wider role of youth resistance training beyond athletic performance, focusing particularly on inactive and overweight young people who may benefit most from structured, supervised programmes. Drawing on current evidence and the author's research, the article explores how resistance training enhances muscular strength, movement competence, bone health, self-esteem and physical literacy while helping to address the components of the Pediatric Inactivity Triad. A 10-week intervention delivered by qualified strength and conditioning coaches demonstrated improvements in fundamental movement skills, relative strength, confidence and programme adherence, highlighting the importance of individualised exercise selection, progressive overload and enjoyable training environments. The article also discusses the evolving role of strength and conditioning coaches in schools and community settings, arguing that expanding access to evidence-based resistance training can improve public health while creating new professional opportunities beyond performance sport.