At East Coast Athletes, we believe that the foundation of athletic success and lifelong health begins with movement. The Youth Movement (YOMO) program is designed to give young athletes the tools they need to succeed, not just in sports but in all areas of life. With a focus on physical and mental development, YOMO aims to build future champions by prioritizing movement, strength, balance, and flexibility.

Why Movement Matters for Youth

Exercise and movement are more than just physical activities—they are essential components of youth development. Numerous studies and health organizations emphasize the importance of regular physical activity for children and adolescents. However, the statistics paint a concerning picture:

• Global health recommendations suggest that children and adolescents should engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.
• Data from the Australian Sports Commission’s AusPlay report reveals that only half of children aged 0-14 are active at least once a week outside of school, and a mere 11% are active four times a week.
• Alarmingly, 90% of 12-17 year-olds fail to meet the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines of 60 minutes of daily activity.
• The National Health Survey further indicates that nearly one-quarter (24.9%) of children aged 5-17 are overweight or obese.

These figures highlight the urgent need for programs like YOMO, which are designed to counteract sedentary lifestyles and encourage healthy, active habits from a young age.

The Importance of Starting Young: Lessons from Olympic Athletes

Many of the world’s greatest athletes began their journeys at a young age, laying the groundwork for their future success early on. For instance, Simone Biles, the Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, started her training at just six years old, focusing on developing flexibility, balance, and strength.

Similarly, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, began swimming competitively at the age of seven, honing his technique and movement before progressing to more intense training.

Australia, too, has produced numerous Olympic athletes who began their careers as children, demonstrating the value of starting young.

Cathy Freeman, who famously won gold in the 400 meters at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, began running at age eight. Her early focus on running fundamentals and speed laid the foundation for her success on the world stage.

Another Australian great, Ian Thorpe, started swimming at age seven and became a household name by the time he was a teenager, dominating the pool with his exceptional technique and endurance.

These athletes’ stories highlight the importance of early, focused training that emphasizes movement and foundational skills. Just like Biles, Phelps, Freeman, and Thorpe, the youth who participate in the YOMO program are setting themselves up for success in their chosen sports by building a strong foundation through movement-based training.

Who Can Join YOMO?

YOMO is tailored for youth aged 12-18 who are already engaged in regular sports or activities.

This includes those who participate in social or sports teams, or are involved in structured development programs. By catering to youth who are already active, YOMO builds on existing interests and skills to take their performance to the next level.

We divide participants into two age groups—12-14 years and 15-18 years—ensuring that the training is age-appropriate and aligns with their developmental needs.

Our Approach: Movement First

At the core of YOMO is our belief that movement should come before weight training. Our 3-phase program is designed to progressively develop movement capabilities and capacities, rather than focusing on lifting heavy weights.

1. Phase 1: Lays the foundation by emphasizing basic movement skills, balance, and flexibility.
2. Phase 2: Builds on these skills with more complex movement patterns and strength development.
3. Phase 3: Introduces controlled weight training, only after the youth has demonstrated mastery in controlling their body in time and space.

This approach ensures that participants develop a strong foundation before advancing to more intense training, reducing the risk of injury and promoting long-term athletic development.

Small Group Training for Maximum Impact

YOMO is offered in a small group training environment, where each class is limited in size. This allows for personalized attention and quality support from our Accredited Exercise Physiologists and nationally accredited strength coaches.

In this setting, every youth athlete receives the guidance they need to excel, while also benefiting from the motivation and camaraderie of their peers.

Building Future Champions

The YOMO program at East Coast Athletes is more than just a training program—it’s a pathway to building future champions. By focusing on movement, strength, and flexibility, we’re not just helping youth improve in their chosen sports; we’re also equipping them with the skills and habits that will serve them for life.

Whether your child is aiming to excel in sports or simply wants to lead a healthier, more active life, YOMO provides the foundation they need to succeed.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for a program that will help your child unlock their potential, YOMO is the answer. With limited spots available, now is the time to take action.

Contact East Coast Athletes today to learn more about how YOMO can make a difference in your child’s life.