Age limit and Weight Training

Brad Mcdonald – Strikers

Weights involved with training can have a huge benefit in your progression with any sport. It improves your strength, agility, power and acceleration. When dealing with children or teenagers, is there a specific age where they should begin weight training?

It’s quite a touchy topic as every parent or coach will have a different opinion. Some scientific studies have been conducted and various ages have been recommended when it comes to what age they should begin with weights. Everyone is going to have a different answer or agree with some and disagree with others opinions, but I’m sure there is some sort of middle ground.

Personally I started my weight training at the age of 14 with the Queensland Academy of Sport on a regular basis about twice a week. I could see great improvement in my performance on the pitch and even in training. The power in my legs improved and I could accelerate off the mark quicker, jump higher and change direction with much less effort. However I didn’t know if it was the right age to be using weights, I just did what the coach told me to do.

Could I have been fully developed? Could I have been lifting weights that put stress on my growth plates? Or could I have put too much strain on my muscles and tendons that would lead to injuries?

For me there is no right or wrong answer but I think that it is an open forum and I would like to hear everyone’s stories or point of view as I can understand both side of this discussion. So please let me know your thoughts!