Coaching the Next Generation: Schools Fitness Festival
The School Fitness Festival invited Georgia Radley, among other coaches, to attend the Schools Fitness Festival.
In January, I had the privilege of coaching at the Schools Fitness Festival in Worcester. Hosted at the TSC Centre, this event was a fantastic collaboration between The Academy Programme and British Weightlifting, designed to encourage students to move, train, and challenge themselves in new ways. Across two events, we welcomed nearly 90 students from nine schools across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, introducing them to functional fitness and weightlifting in an exciting and supportive environment.
Breaking Down Barriers to Fitness
coaching the school fitness festival children through a clean and jerk
I, along with other great coaches (Hannah and Harry), guided students through exercises that emphasised control, technique, and progression, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their starting ability, felt included and challenged. One of the most rewarding aspects of the festival was seeing students—many of whom had never stepped foot in a gym before—begin to move with confidence. The sessions weren’t about lifting the heaviest weights or racing through workouts; they were about learning movement patterns, developing coordination, and discovering that strength training isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for everyone.
Why Functional Fitness?
Functional fitness and weightlifting go hand in hand when it comes to building confidence, resilience, and body awareness. The ability to squat, press, and pull in a controlled and purposeful way carries over into everyday life and will support them as they grow. For these students, it wasn’t just a lesson in fitness—it was an introduction to a new way of thinking about movement and capability.
The Impact of Coaching
coaching the children at the school fitness festival through a handstand walk as part of the functional fitness section
As a coach, seeing that lightbulb moment when a student realises they can do something they thought was impossible is what makes events like this so special. Some kids arrived hesitant, unsure, or even disinterested, but by the end of the sessions, they were throwing themselves into new challenges, cheering each other on, and leaving with smiles (and maybe a little muscle fatigue!).
Looking Forward
This festival is just the beginning. After being part of something very similar last year and, in 2023 with ThisGirlCan (which you can read here), its clear to see how important initiatives like this are in making strength training and functional fitness more accessible to young people; providing young people with the tools to stay active for life. The impact of the Schools Fitness Festival was undeniable. By providing a space where students could explore strength training outside of traditional team sports, the event opened new doors for many who may not have otherwise had the chance to experience weightlifting. Seeing first-hand how these sessions sparked excitement in students was a reminder of why I love coaching—helping people move better, feel stronger, and believe in their own potential.
As weightlifting and functional fitness continue to gain popularity, events like these play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation. It’s a way to engage children, provide an outlet, and allow them to develop confidence with the knowledge that they’re capable of all they put their mind to.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re passionate about weightlifting, functional fitness, and unlocking your full potential, I’d love to help you on your journey.
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