Dr Sam Barke

Head of Sports Medicine

Return2Play & Meliora Medical Group

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time for reflection and planning. For schools, that means setting goals for the year ahead, particularly when it comes to the welfare of youth athletes. While the excitement of new sports seasons, tournaments, and achievements is often the focus, it’s crucial that pupil-athletes’ well-being doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.  After all, a well looked after athlete performs better.

At this time of year, the pressure on young athletes can be high. Whether it’s the desire to impress coaches, secure their place in a team, or simply excel in their chosen sport, the stakes can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s essential to remember that the path to success isn’t just about performance — it’s about creating a balanced, supportive environment that promotes both physical and mental health.

So, how can schools maximise youth athlete welfare in 2025? Here are a few strategies to ensure that pupil-athletes thrive, not just on the field, but off it too.

1. “I’m fine, I don’t need rest” — The Importance of Recovery

We’ve all heard it before: a pupil pushes through pain, exhaustion, or fatigue because they’re determined to perform at their best. This mindset, while perhaps admirable, can also be detrimental to long-term health. In the rush to compete and achieve, recovery often gets overlooked. But the truth is, proper rest is essential to an athlete’s development.

Recovery should be integrated into a pupil’s routine, not just as an afterthought. Schools should promote strategies that include regular rest days, proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition, alongside physical recovery practices. When athletes prioritise recovery, they can avoid burnout, injury, and mental fatigue — which are just as important as winning the next match.

2. Understanding the Mental Health Side of Sports

Physical health isn’t the only aspect of welfare that needs attention — mental health is just as crucial. There’s often a silent pressure on young athletes to constantly perform, and for some, this can lead to stress and anxiety.

Schools can maximise youth athlete welfare by ensuring they’re aware of the mental health challenges athletes face. This could involve providing access to school doctors, counsellors or mental health resources, implementing workshops on stress management, or training teachers and coaches to spot the signs of mental distress.

More importantly, creating an environment where it’s okay to talk about mental health and seek support can go a long way. Pupils should feel that their well-being matters just as much as their ability to score goals or break records. By addressing mental health head-on, schools can create more resilient athletes who feel supported both in and out of competition.

3. Balancing Academics with Athletics

It’s not uncommon for young athletes to feel torn between their studies and their sport. With the pressure to succeed academically and the desire to excel in athletics, the demands can be overwhelming. Schools need to take a holistic approach that supports academic and athletic achievements without sacrificing either one.

Encouraging time management skills, looking at flexible scheduling for training sessions, and ensuring that pupils don’t face academic penalties for participating in sports are all ways schools can balance academics and athletics. After all, the best athletes aren’t just those who excel in their sport — they’re also the ones who can manage their academic responsibilities and develop life skills that will benefit them in the future.

4. Educating Coaches and Staff on Injury Prevention

Injury prevention is a crucial element of youth athlete welfare that’s often overlooked. Coaches, teachers, and school staff need to be well-versed in the signs of injuries and know how to react appropriately when an athlete is hurt. This is particularly important with regards to head injuries and concussion where there is clear guidance on how these should be managed to protect players’ welfare (see What is Concussion?).

Beyond that, schools should invest in educating coaches about proper techniques, warm-up and cool-down routines, and safe practices. Athletes are more likely to stay injury-free if they are taught the right way to perform exercises, stretch, and train. Schools could also consider having regular workshops or seminars on injury prevention for both athletes and coaches.

A critical factor in preventing injury is not allowing pupils to push their bodies beyond their limits. Schools and coaches should ensure that the training loads are appropriate for the age and experience of the athlete, with ample time for recovery between sessions.

If a pupil is injured, it’s important that recovery is given the same priority as performance. Clear protocols for injury assessment, treatment, and recovery should be in place to ensure that athletes receive appropriate care and don’t return to play too soon.
 

5. Inclusivity and Well-Being for All Athletes

It’s important to remember that youth athlete welfare isn’t just about those who are top performers or elite athletes. Schools should work to create an inclusive environment where every pupil has the opportunity to participate, feel valued, and develop their skills. This is especially important for pupils who might not naturally excel in sports but who still benefit from physical activity.

Schools can maximise athlete welfare by creating a culture of inclusion, offering a variety of sports and activities, and ensuring that all pupils have access to the resources they need to be healthy and active. Promoting physical literacy and encouraging lifelong participation in sports will help pupils develop a positive relationship with physical activity, no matter their skill level.
 

The Takeaway: Setting Goals for Sustainable Success
The new year offers schools an opportunity to set fresh goals for their athletes — goals that go beyond winning trophies or breaking records. By prioritising athlete welfare in all its forms — physical, mental, and emotional — schools can help ensure that their athletes thrive for years to come. Collaboration with a school healthcare provider, including sports medicine specialists, can help achieve this.

Success is not defined solely by what happens on the field, but by how well pupils are supported in their journey as athletes and individuals. With a balanced, supportive approach, we can create the best environment for young athletes to grow, both in sport and in life.