Thomas Green, Andy Bruce, Kevin Till, Steph Morris and Sean Boret
As strength and conditioning (S&C) becomes increasingly established within secondary education, coaches must understand how to integrate programmes that complement the school's culture, curriculum and educational priorities. This article presents an evidence-informed framework for implementing sustainable S&C provision that benefits all students, not just talented athletes. The authors explore how S&C can be embedded across school activities, staff development and organisational culture, before outlining four key strategies for successful implementation: delivering progressive resistance training, integrating athletic development into PE warm-ups, assessing and monitoring athleticism and embedding S&C within the wider curriculum. Practical guidance is provided on exercise progressions, movement competency, athletic motor skill competencies (AMSC), warm-up design, assessment and long-term planning. The article emphasises collaboration with teachers, alignment with school values and the importance of creating inclusive environments that develop confidence, movement competence and lifelong participation in physical activity. It concludes that effective school-based S&C programmes require technical expertise, pedagogical understanding and a commitment to enhancing the educational experience of every student.
Andy is Head of Athletic Development at Berkhamsted School and coordinates the UKSCA body of knowledge group for youth and schools. He holds Masters degrees in marine biology, psychology, and sport and exercise psychology. Andy is a UKSCA accredited coach, an NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist, and an MNU certified nutritionist.
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=X1pbqckAAAAJ&hl=en
Kevin Till is a Professor of Athletic Development and Director of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy within the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University. Kevin is a UKSCA accredited coach currently working with Leeds Rhinos RLFC academy and supporting schools with Athletic Development provision.
Steph is a Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at Cardiff Metropolitan University and holds a PhD investigating the influence of biological maturity and strength and power characteristics on weightlifting performance in young athletes. Her research focuses on youth weightlifting and long-term athletic development, with nine peer-reviewed publications and a contribution to book chapter in this area.
Alongside her academic role, Steph has over 10 years of applied strength and conditioning experience working with youth athletes. She currently coaches within the Youth Physical Development Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Steph is also a British Weight Lifting Level 2 coach and has contributed extensively to the development of youth weightlifting in the UK. Her roles have included coaching on the British Weight Lifting DiSE programme, co-authoring the British Weight Lifting Youth Weightlifting Level 3 Qualification, and contributing to the School Games weightlifting resources, supporting the delivery of weightlifting within schools.
