Our work with Alex wilson athletics to support young track & field athletes

FIT4FUNCTION is proud to announce our ongoing partnership with AWA Coaching, a club widely recognised for its commitment to developing young athletes in a safe, structured, and performance-focused environment.

AWA Coaching work with athletes across key developmental stages, placing equal emphasis on technical skill, enjoyment of sport, and long-term athlete development. This approach was recently recognised at the England Athletics Awards, where AWA Coaching were acknowledged for their contribution to grassroots and developmental athletics. It is a reflection of a club that prioritises athlete welfare as much as results.

Our partnership is built around a shared belief: young athletes perform best when performance, health, and education are aligned.

Integrated Physiotherapy and Strength & Conditioning Support

Through this collaboration, AWA Coaching athletes gain access to integrated sports physiotherapy and strength & conditioning support, ensuring that pain, injury risk, and performance progression are addressed together rather than in isolation.

Rather than waiting until injuries become limiting, this model allows early assessment, appropriate intervention, and sensible progression through key growth and training phases. The aim is not to over-medicalise youth sport, but to keep athletes available, confident, and developing consistently.

Strength & conditioning support is tailored to the athlete’s age, training age, and competitive demands, helping to build resilience and physical literacy alongside their athletics training.

Supporting Parents Through Education

A key part of our work with AWA Coaching extends beyond the track and into parent and coach education. As part of the partnership, FIT4FUNCTION recently delivered a workshop focused on understanding pain, injury, and development in young athletes.

One of the central themes of the session was addressing the common assumption that pain in young athletes is “just growing pain”.

While growth-related discomfort can be normal, not all pain should be dismissed or ignored. In athletics, young athletes are often exposed to rapid increases in training load during periods of growth, which can place stress on bones, tendons, and developing tissues. Without appropriate support, this can lead to recurring issues, altered movement patterns, or more significant injuries over time.

The workshop helped parents understand when physiotherapy input is appropriate, why early assessment does not automatically mean rest or restriction, and how the right intervention can often allow athletes to continue training safely with minor adjustments.

Moving Beyond the “Growing Pain” Myth

One of the most important messages we share with parents is simple: pain does not always mean damage, but pain is always information.

Ignoring recurring pain or assuming it is harmless can increase injury risk, reduce confidence, and limit long-term development. Early support, on the other hand, often keeps athletes engaged in training while protecting their physical and psychological wellbeing.

This philosophy aligns closely with AWA Coaching’s approach to athlete care, where development is viewed across years rather than short-term results.

A Shared Commitment to Long-Term Athlete Development

AWA Coaching’s recognition at the England Athletics Awards highlights the importance of clubs that invest in education, structure, and athlete support systems. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to doing things properly — supporting athletes, parents, and coaches with clear communication and evidence-based practice.

Together, FIT4FUNCTION and AWA Coaching aim to reduce unnecessary injuries, improve confidence around pain and development, and help young athletes enjoy athletics while progressing safely toward their potential.

Looking Ahead

This partnership will continue to grow through ongoing access to physiotherapy and strength & conditioning, regular education workshops, and clear pathways for managing pain, injury, and performance progression.

We are proud to support the work AWA Coaching do with young athletes and look forward to continuing to help shape a positive, informed, and sustainable development pathway for the next generation of athletes.

If you’re a parent, coach, or club interested in better supporting young athletes and moving beyond assumptions around “growing pains”, FIT4FUNCTION would be delighted to help