Training Elite Child Athletes: Promoting Welfare and Well-Being

CHILDREN CAN BENEFIT FROM, AND SAFELY ENGAGE IN, PHYSICAL CONDITIONING WHERE APPROPRIATE SUPERVISION IS PROVIDED. HOWEVER, ELITE CHILD ATHLETES REPRESENT A UNIQUE POPULATION WHO ARE EXPOSED TO POTENTIALLY LARGE VOLUMES OF SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND EARLY COMPETITION AT A TIME WHEN THEY ARE STILL MATURING. THIS SITUATION CAN EXPOSE THE ELITE CHILD ATHLETE TO A VARIETY OF RISKS THAT COULD AFFECT THEIR WELFARE AND WELL-BEING AND HAVE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES IN TERMS OF BOTH PERFORMANCE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS ARTICLE IDENTIFIES RISKS AND PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS TO HELP COACHES PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND WELL-BEING OF ELITE CHILD ATHLETES DURING TRAINING.