Athletic development
MOVE WELL
Learn strength technique, balance, acceleration and safe landing mechanics with appropriate coaching and progressions.
TEEN ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT / AGES 12–15
TRAIN STRONG. LEAD WELL.
Age-appropriate strength and athletic development with optional supervised Junior Leader moments within the Academy.
REAL COACHINGSMALL, COACHED GROUPSBASED IN DUBLIN 22
The teen pathway
STRONGER ATHLETES. BETTER ROLE MODELS.
Train at your level
BUILD CONFIDENCE
Gradually take on new challenges and measurable progress without assuming every teen has the same experience or sporting background.
Optional leadership
JUNIOR LEADERS
Suitable teens may help with simple supervised team tasks: counting reps, leading a team cheer or demonstrating a familiar movement.
Athlete first. Leader second.
A REAL ACADEMY PATHWAY.
Teen members remain coached Academy participants, not junior staff. Leadership is optional and never replaces supervision by an authorised adult coach.
- Age-appropriate strength, speed, agility and jumping
- Suitable for active teens and beginners
- Optional role-model tasks with the adult coach present
- Same current €70 Youth Academy membership
There is no separately advertised teen-only class at present. We will recommend suitable sessions and coaching arrangements during your enquiry. Junior Leaders never supervise children independently.
Ask about teen training
Frequently asked
FOR PARENTS & TEENS.
Does my teen need to play a sport?
No. Sessions focus on foundations and confidence, with challenges adapted to experience and needs.
Is this a new paid membership?
No. It is a specific teen-facing pathway within the current Youth Academy, at the standard €70/month membership.
Can a teen coach younger children?
Teens can take on selected optional, closely supervised team or demonstration tasks as participants. They are not qualified coaches or substitutes for adult supervision.
Is there a teen-only timetable?
Not currently. We will advise on age-appropriate groups and potential future expansion once it is safely staffed and confirmed.
Strength training for 12–15-year-olds
TRAIN AS AN ATHLETE. LEARN AS A LEADER.
Older Academy members need meaningful coaching, not a younger children's session with heavier weights.
HOW OUR TEEN PATHWAY WORKS
We work on strength movement patterns, acceleration, braking, jumping and landing, core control and gradual conditioning progress. Coaches scale tasks for beginners and sport-playing teenagers.
When appropriate, teens can take on simple, voluntary team-support tasks during supervised Youth activities — such as counting repetitions, showing a familiar warm-up or encouraging younger members. The adult coach retains all safeguarding and supervision responsibilities.
There is no public teen-only class or separate teen price. The existing Academy programme and booking controls apply. Parent/guardian contact is required before trial arrangements.
CURRENT PATHWAYTEENS
TEENS
12–15
Age-appropriate gym skills and athletic development at the LOC’DOWN Academy base in Dublin 22.
See Youth Academy timetableGOOD QUESTIONS. CLEAR ANSWERS.
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK
Practical answers before you enquire. Exact places and sessions are confirmed directly with the coach.
Can a 12–15-year-old begin strength training?
Age-appropriate resistance exercises can be taught with competent supervision and gradual progression. The programme is matched to movement ability, maturity and experience rather than adult lifting targets.
Is this a separate teen-only membership?
No. Teen Strength & Athletic Development is an approved pathway under the current €70/month Youth Academy membership. A teen-only standing class has not been announced.
What is a Junior Leader?
Suitable teens may help count repetitions, demonstrate familiar movements or encourage a team under direct adult supervision. They are participants, not paid staff or replacement coaches.
Does a teen need to play football or GAA?
No. The programme also welcomes teenagers building general strength, movement confidence and fitness, subject to age-appropriate group suitability.
Can parents enquire first?
Yes. A parent or guardian should contact Lewis about a suitable trial and the teen’s experience. Youth onboarding and safeguarding controls continue to apply.