The Decline of Athleticism in Teenagers and Why It’s Time to Act

Written by Tim Madden,  Athletic Performance Coach at Athletes Edge Albury

Over the past 10+ years, I’ve seen a worrying trend, and it hit me harder than ever these past school holidays.

We ran sessions with over 400 kids. And what stood out wasn’t the potential — it was the clear decline in general athleticism. Basic speed mechanics, coordination, control, even the ability to hold simple positions under load, just isn’t there like it used to be.

This is no longer about identifying the next elite athlete. It’s about getting kids to a base level of function so they can participate safely, confidently, and enjoyably in sport.

And the issue isn’t isolated. It’s systemic.

What We’re Seeing

• Slower, less coordinated movement across nearly every sport
• Less body control, stability, and rhythm, especially in sprinting and change of direction
• Poor mobility and basic strength, with many kids unable to get into athletic positions
• Reduced physical literacy from less unstructured play and too much early specialisation
• Young athletes entering performance pathways with major movement gaps

What It’s Telling Us

• Sport no longer builds movement. It exposes it
• Strength, coordination, and speed need to be taught, not assumed
• Two sessions a week isn’t enough if kids are starting from behind
• Games and PE classes are not a replacement for movement training
• Waiting until selection time is too late. The gap is already widening
• Consistency, early exposure, and quality coaching matter more than ever

The System Isn’t Built to Fix It

Let’s be honest. The sporting system isn’t coming to save them.

Most governing bodies are focused on headline stats, top-level concerns, and liability protection. Junior athletic development, coaching standards, and long-term planning are rarely prioritised.

The result is a generation of kids exposed to higher-level games and expectations without the physical foundation to support it.

We’re not just risking performance. We’re risking enjoyment, wellbeing, and long-term participation in sport.

What Needs to Change

If we want to reverse the trend, it starts at the ground level. That means homes, schools, and local programs.

• Bring back foundational training: speed, strength, mobility, and coordination
• Stop waiting for rep trials to teach movement skills
• Invest in quality coaching early, not just more games
• Align parents, schools, and clubs around proper athlete development

The Bottom Line

Athleticism is declining. And it’s not the kids’ fault.

But if we don’t step in now, the gap will only grow.

Let’s build strong, capable, resilient young athletes. Let’s give them the tools to stay in sport and thrive in life.

Because the future of our kids' health is at stake — and so is the future of sport in this country.