Sport Wales

Strength and conditioning is often seen as something extra in sport. But across sport, it is a key part of how young athletes are prepared to move well, stay strong and build solid foundations for safe progression.

Without the right physical preparation, athletes can be at risk of overuse injuries. This can affect their performance, their enjoyment of the sport and their ability to stay involved long-term.

That’s something Seb Moran from Sport Wales has been working to address, alongside India Marshall, Performance Programme Manager at Welsh Gymnastics, through a coach education initiative focused on strength and conditioning. 🤸

The aim is simple. To help coaches feel more confident and equipped to bring safe, effective and age-appropriate physical preparation into everyday training, not as an “extra” but as part of how the sport is delivered.

At Haverfordwest Gymnastics, coach Daisy Griffiths is already seeing the difference. The sessions have helped reinforce what she was already doing well, while also introducing new ideas and building confidence in how and when to deliver strength and conditioning with young gymnasts. 🤝

For younger gymnasts, this often means simple movement-based exercises. For older gymnasts, it develops into more structured strength work, always adapted to their stage of development.

Most importantly, this work is about helping young gymnasts move well, stay strong and stay in sport for longer.

Hanna Guise from Swim Wales explains how the Foundations Framework Wales is designed to support clubs in creating positive environments for children, inspired by examples like South Whales Swim School Ltd

Rhys from South Whales Swim School Ltd reflects on his own experience and how it shaped his approach to coaching today.

For him, it’s about creating a positive, person-centred environment where every child feels supported and able to enjoy their time in the water.

Every child deserves to feel like they belong in sport.
For some children, that can make all the difference. 🤗

When Mathew struggled to find a swimming club that could support him, his family were told he would need one-to-one lessons that simply weren't affordable. At South Whales Swim School, a few small adjustments and a willingness to understand his needs helped him become part of the group.

For Eve, swimming in deep water had knocked her confidence. With patient support from her coaches, she has grown in confidence and now feels much more comfortable in the pool.

Their stories are different, but they have something in common. They show what can happen when children feel welcome, safe and valued for who they are. 😊

At South Whales Swim School Ltd, the focus is on helping children feel comfortable, build confidence, make friends and enjoy being there.

This is exactly the kind of environment the Foundations Framework Wales encourages. When children have positive experiences like this, they are more likely to keep coming back, stay active and enjoy sport for life.

Swim Wales