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NSCA Named NYSS Champion
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently recognized the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as one of the first organizations to join the National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion℠ program. HHS released the NYSS in September 2019 in response to Presidential Executive Order 13824, which called for a national strategy to increase youth sports participation. The NYSS is the first Federal roadmap with actionable strategies to increase participation in youth sports, increase awareness of the benefits of youth sports participation, monitor and evaluate youth sports participation, and recruit and engage volunteers in youth sports programming.
Feeding the Youth Athlete – Three Key Messages
October 14, 2026by Karina Christopher, PHD, RND, LD
This article explores evidence-based nutrition practices for youth athletes, emphasizing hydration, dietary quality, and breakfast consumption to support long-term athletic development. Visit NSCA online to read more about sports nutrition and athletic development.
Coaches Exercise Science Nutrition Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Professional Development
From Flag to Friday Night—Long-Term Athlete Development in Youth American Football
February 11, 2019by Joe Eisenmann, PhD and Clive J. Brewer, MS, CSCS
Approximately 2 million youth from 6 - 12 years of age participate in football every year. This article discusses the importance of long-term athletic development (LTAD) for youth football athletes and the significance of a player development pathway for long-term success and longevity in the sport.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design Organization and Administration
Practical Application for Long-Term Athletic Development
June 11, 2018by Larry Meadors PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, RSCC*E, USAW-2
Learn about the framework for practical, functional, and sequential skill development for a “best practices” model. This model is designed to develop a movement vocabulary, physical literacy, and movement skills for improved athleticism.
Coaches Exercise Science
The Role of Resistance Training in Enhancing Mental Health and Self-Esteem in Youth – A Guide for Educators and Coaches
February 23, 2026by Josh McMillian, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
This NSCA Coach article summarizes key findings on coach-focused strategies to help educators use resistance training to support healthy youth development. Visit NSCA online to read more on mental health and youth sports.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease Professional Development
Introducing Non-Traditional Sports for U.S. Youth Strength and Conditioning Development
September 25, 2021by Dr Michael Waller, PhD, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, FNSCA and Brett Stone, PhD
The purpose of this article is to make the case for implementing non-traditional sports into training programs that prepare youth for participation in traditional American sports and bridge the gap between pedagogy of physical education and strength and conditioning youth coaching.
Coaches Program design
Reducing the Risk of ACL Injuries in American Football Players— Early Investment for Long-Term Gains
March 18, 2019by Rhodri S. Lloyd, PhD, CSCS,*D, Paul J. Read, CSCS,*D, Jason Pedley, John Radnor, Greg Myer, PhD, CSCS,*D
Football is a high intensity collision based sport that has an inherent risk of injury in both competition and practice. The focus of ACL injuries and the development of injury prevention programs have been key in the development of youth athletes to keep them participating in sport with reduced risk of injury.
Coaches Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration
The Current State of the Sport Science Field and Careers – Integration, Data, and Professional Pathways
March 12, 2024by Luke Pelton, PhD, CSCS, CISSN, and Eric McMahon, MEd, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F, RSCC*D
This article aims to describe the development of the sport scientist role and clarify the common qualifications and responsibilities therein.
Coaches Professional Development
An Introduction for Parents: What is Long-Term Athletic Development?
What does LTAD mean and how can parents get more involved with their child’s athletic development? Rick Howard provides an overview of youth development, important concepts to understand, ways to impact physical development, signs of overtraining, and further resources that are a great refresher for coaches and can be passed onto parents.
Using LTAD to Program for a Middle School Athlete and a High School Athlete: Part 2 – Creating a Developmentally-Appropriate Strength and Conditioning Program
January 28, 2019by Rick Howard, MEd, CSCS, *D
This second article of a two-part series continues the discussion of long-term athletic development (LTAD). This article provides practical application of the LTAD principles by examining two sample programs.
Coaches Nutrition Program design Organization and Administration
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