Breakout session: growth & maturation in youth sport: from measurement to meaningful practice

Working with young athletes or active kids? Then you’ll know that no two kids grow at the same rate – and that managing this well can make a big difference to performance, development, and injury risk. But how confident are you when it comes to measuring and applying growth and maturation data in real-world settings?

This practical, hands-on workshop is designed to boost your confidence and skills – whether you’re brand new to the topic or looking to sharpen up.

We kick off with a quick-fire Fact or Fiction quiz to bust some common myths around adolescent growth. Get moving, get chatting, and walk away with a clear understanding of the key principles that underpin good practice.

Then it’s over to the Tools and Tech Showcase – your chance to try out gold-standard measurement techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. Rotate through measurement stations, practise data entry, and get instant feedback from facilitators and peers. You’ll leave knowing how to collect data accurately and confidently.

 In the second half, we shift from theory to action. You’ll hear real examples of how growth data is being used in elite sport to inform training and reduce injury risk. Then you’ll tackle a practical case study – working in groups to identify suitable interventions for a young athlete based on their maturation profile.

We wrap up with a Q&A and group reflection, sharing ideas and tips you can take straight back to your setting.Whether you're an athletic trainer, coach, physiotherapist, S&C coach, or work in youth development, this workshop will give you tools you can use straight away – plus a clearer understanding of how to support growing athletes safely and effectively.