Creating Adaptable Athletes
At the Centre of Excellence, our mission is simple: create the most adaptable athlete for future success by building the foundations of speed, strength, and power.
But doing this well requires more than enthusiasm, it demands precision. That’s why our Junior Development Program begins with comprehensive testing and growth monitoring, ensuring every young athlete trains in the stage of development that best matches their body and their needs.
Why We Measure Peak Height Velocity (PHV)
Peak Height Velocity (PHV)—the fastest period of adolescent growth, is a critical marker for training design. During this time bones lengthen rapidly while muscles and tendons lag behind, temporarily increasing injury risk and affecting coordination.
By measuring height, seated height, and weight at regular intervals, we estimate each athlete’s “years from PHV.” This tells us whether they are approaching, at, or past their major growth spurt. Combined with our movement competency screening, strength and power tests, and speed assessments, we gain a complete picture of biological maturity and athletic readiness.
Matching Athletes to the Right Stage
Armed with this data, our coaches place athletes into one of three Junior Development levels, not simply by age, but by readiness.
Level 1 – Foundations in training preparation, athleticism, and trunk control, with gamified movement to build coordination and enjoyment.
Level 2 – A more structured environment introducing variability training to improve adaptability and movement skill.
Level 3 – Increased strength and controlled training under load, preparing juniors for the next phase of development.
This process aligns with our broader Physical Development Pathway, which moves from Multilateral Development (broad motor skills) through sport-specific demands and, ultimately, elite specialisation. By matching training to growth stage, we help athletes master the right skills at the right time.
More Than Numbers
Our screening doesn’t stop at PHV. We assess movement patterns, coordination, strength, power, and speed to build each athlete’s movement fingerprint. These insights guide the balance between motor skill development and gym-based movement patterns, ensuring no element is rushed or overlooked.
An Integrated Support System
Training groups are only one part of the equation. To keep juniors healthy and progressing, we work closely with dietetics and physiotherapy services on-site. Nutrition fuels growth and adaptation, while physiotherapy and recovery strategies safeguard joints and muscles as training loads increase.
Building Long-Term Athletic Development
By tailoring training to growth and ability rather than just age, the Centre of Excellence gives young athletes every chance to sustain a long and successful sporting journey.
Through regular testing, PHV monitoring, and an integrated performance team, we ensure each junior athlete is challenged, supported, and set up to reach their ultimate potential.
