ACL Injury Risk in Female and Youth Athletes: What Actually Matters (Part 2)

Written by Michael Crawley, BSc, BPT, CSCS

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are a significant issue in sport, particularly among female and youth athletes. Female athletes have a significantly greater incidence of ACL injury compared to males, with research suggesting the risk may be between 2 and 8 times higher depending on the population studied (Herzberg et al. 2017).

A number of factors have been proposed to influence this increased risk. These include both extrinsic factors such as playing surface, and intrinsic factors such as biological, structural, and physical characteristics. This article focuses on the intrinsic side of the equation.

If you have not read Part 1, where we break down how ACL injuries occur and what influences risk more broadly, you can start here: ACL Injuries: How They Occur, Who Is at Risk, and Why Training Quality Matters

The key intrinsic factors that may influence ACL injury risk in the female athlete include:

• hormonal influences

• biomechanics and structural considerations

• strength and neuromuscular control

It is also important to recognize that surgery is not the only solution following an ACL injury. The appropriate approach depends on the athlete’s age, injury severity, and the presence of additional damage such as meniscal or cartilage involvement. Graft selection is also influenced by these factors and plays an important role in long-term outcomes.

Menstruation and Hormones

The menstrual cycle consists of three phases, each characterized by fluctuations in key hormones including estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone (Wojtys et al. 2002).

• Follicular phase: approximately 9 days

• Ovulatory phase: approximately 5 days, marked by peaks in estrogen and luteinizing hormone

• Luteal phase: approximately 14 to 15 days, with elevated progesterone

Research in this area remains mixed. However, several studies have reported a higher incidence of ACL injuries during the ovulatory phase compared to other phases (Wojtys et al. 2002; Herzberg et al. 2017).

Wojtys et al. (2002) demonstrated a higher number of ACL injuries, marked as X on the figure above, in a group of young female athletes during the ovulatory phase. The mechanisms behind this relationship are varied and often disputed. At the neurological level, Kumar et al. (2013) demonstrated reduced reaction time to visual and auditory stimulus between the follicular and luteal phases.

From a structural perspective, the ACL contains estrogen receptors, and cell culture research has demonstrated that estrogen can influence the ligament’s collagen composition. It is proposed that this may increase knee joint laxity. Maruyama et al. (2021) examined knee laxity across the menstrual cycle and found increased anterior knee laxity during the ovulatory phase.

However, this difference was only observed when participants were grouped into those with genu recurvatum and those without it, meaning athletes whose knees hyperextend 10 degrees or more versus those who do not. This adds another layer of complexity, as it suggests that biomechanical factors such as hyperextension may interact with hormonal factors such as higher estrogen levels rather than acting independently.

Relaxin is another important peptide hormone that has been specifically linked to injury risk in female athletes. It appears to work synergistically with estrogen, contributing to changes in ligament laxity (Berger et al. 2023; Parker et al. 2024).

Relaxin exerts its effects in two key ways:

• increases type 1 collagen degradation

• suppresses collagen synthesis

Given that ligaments are composed of approximately 40 to 50 percent type 1 collagen, this provides a plausible mechanism by which relaxin may influence ACL integrity. Alterations in the collagen structure of the ligament are one proposed explanation for increased laxity and injury risk.

Parker et al. (2024) also highlight a practical consideration. Relaxin levels tend to peak around days 21 to 24 of the menstrual cycle. In a coaching setting, this may present as an athlete reporting unexplained musculoskeletal discomfort around the knee without a clear training-related cause. This is not something to overreact to, but it can serve as a useful opportunity for education, monitoring, or short-term modification of training.

Across the cycle, these hormonal fluctuations may contribute to changes in reaction time, ligament laxity, and available joint range of motion. While some research has explored the use of oral contraceptives to regulate these hormonal variations and potentially reduce ACL injury risk (Herzberg et al. 2017), the quality of evidence remains low and is often confounded by multiple variables.

More importantly, as Parker et al. (2024) point out, oral contraceptives are not without trade-offs. While they may influence hormones such as relaxin and estrogen, there are more accessible and lower-risk interventions available. For most young female athletes, this is not where the focus should be.

Which leads into the next major factor: strength and neuromuscular training.

Strength and Neuromuscular Training

As female participation in sport has increased over the past few decades, there has been a corresponding increase in injury rates. At the same time, training age and exposure to structured strength and conditioning within a gym setting has generally lagged behind that of male athletes.

Well-rounded strength and conditioning is not only a tool to support and improve performance in sport. It can have a profound effect on robustness and coordinative qualities, helping to mitigate injury risk.

For a deeper look at how strength training should be structured for younger athletes, see: Building a Strong Foundation: The Crucial Role of Youth Strength and Conditioning

In young female athletes, several characteristics have been associated with increased ACL injury risk (Collings et al. 2022):

• lower strength ratios between hip adductors and abductors

• reduced trunk control

• higher countermovement peak force values

This highlights the importance of a complete strength and conditioning plan. As young athletes improve jumping ability and increase power output, the risk of ACL injury and other issues such as patellofemoral pain may also increase (Myer et al. 2015; Collings et al. 2022).

Training for these athletes must address several components:

• maximal strength and power

• jumping and landing mechanics and technique

• strength capacity

• energy system development

Sugimoto et al. (2016) demonstrated that neuromuscular programs that include a combination of strength training, jumping, trunk control, and coordination significantly reduce ACL injury risk in young female athletes.

Practical Exercise Examples

Below are five exercises that cover several key qualities related to performance and injury mitigation:

• Side lunge deceleration control

• Front squat

• Side plank hip abduction iso

• 1-2-1 broad jump

• Split stance press + hip hike

Adjusting variables such as volume, intensity, range of motion, and frequency can make exercises like these highly effective across a range of sports and athlete levels.

Adherence, Enjoyment, and the Training Environment

Several factors can impact adherence in young female athletes:

• time

• enjoyment

• coaching expertise

• equipment access

Research suggests that even two 30-minute sessions per week in-season can meaningfully reduce ACL injury risk, provided a more comprehensive program is completed in the off-season (Sugimoto et al. 2016).

Enjoyment and coaching quality are closely linked. Engagement in the gym setting can be a challenge, particularly for younger athletes. Incorporating competition, variability, and game-based elements can improve buy-in and training consistency.

Reaction, Coordination, and Game-Based Training

The following examples can be used to improve reaction time, coordination, and strength:

• Tennis ball reaction game

• Walking lunge with figure 8 pass

These drills can be implemented in pairs, relay formats, or with sport-specific variations. They also expose athletes to a broader range of movement patterns.

This ties closely into long-term athlete development principles, which are outlined further here:
Build the Athlete First: Why Youth Athletes Need Physical Literacy Before Sport Specialization

An additional benefit of implementing games with different constraints and equipment is the development of energy systems and exposure to a wider range of motor patterns. The importance of this is two-fold.

1. Fatigue has been shown to impact landing control and hip-to-ankle force dissipation in female athletes (Mancino et al. 2024). Improving overall capacity can enhance an athlete’s ability to maintain reaction time and landing mechanics over longer periods.

2. Game and exercise constraints can also help offset the repetitive, high-volume actions seen in many sports. This becomes even more relevant in athletes who specialize early in a single sport.

Luo et al. (2025) found that early sport specialization increases injury risk, reduces long-term performance, and negatively impacts psychological outcomes. With a creative and experienced coach, the gym setting can serve as a valuable environment to address these gaps.

That said, even with a well-informed and diligent athlete who engages in strength training and participates in multiple sports, ACL injuries can still occur.

Surgical Route and Graft Selection

When a discussion has been made and surgery is deemed the best option, the next decision is graft selection. The importance of this choice lies in the fact that it is one of the few modifiable factors (Duchman et al. 2017). For the young female athlete, variables such as sex, age, and sporting demands cannot be changed.

The main graft options include:

• Autograft: tissue harvested from the athlete’s own body. Common options include hamstring tendon (HT), bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB), and quadriceps tendon (QT)

• Allograft: donor tissue. Options can include tibialis anterior, Achilles tendon, hamstring, or patellar grafts (Duchman et al. 2017)

Pinheiro et al. (2022) conducted a large analysis in female athletes and found that bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts had a lower incidence of graft failure compared to hamstring grafts. This becomes more nuanced when age is considered.

Mancino et al. (2024) reported that BPTB grafts had lower re-rupture rates in females aged 15 to 20 compared to hamstring autografts. However, in athletes aged 21 and older, outcomes between BPTB and hamstring grafts were similar.

Graft revision risk is also an important consideration. Pinheiro et al. (2022) found that revision rates were 1.8 times higher in hamstring grafts compared to BPTB, increasing to 2.8 times in females under 18. This is particularly relevant, as revision surgeries tend to produce poorer outcomes compared to primary ACL reconstruction (Meena et al. 2024).

More recent evidence suggests that quadriceps tendon grafts produce comparable outcomes in terms of knee stability, functional performance, and re-tear risk (Meena et al. 2024).

Previous injury history should also influence graft selection. Lazarides et al. (2018) reported that a history of moderate to severe patellar tendinopathy was associated with increased graft failure when using BPTB grafts.

Similarly, hamstring autografts may contribute to post-surgical return-to-sport challenges (Bouzekraoui Alaoui et al. 2025), including:

• persistent strength deficits compared to the uninvolved side

• reduced maximum effective angle, a proxy for hamstring function and potential injury risk

In athletes with a history of recurrent hamstring strains or existing strength deficits, harvesting a hamstring graft from the involved side should be carefully considered. This may further complicate the already challenging process of restoring hamstring strength and function during rehabilitation.

Additional Surgical Consideration: LET

Another surgical consideration is the lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), which may provide additional protection against re-injury. Recent research has identified specific factors where LET can help reduce risk and may be used as an added layer of structural support (Meena et al. 2024).

These factors include:

• increased general knee ligament laxity

• high tibial slope and increased knee hyperextension

• return to high-demand sport

• younger age

These considerations are particularly relevant for the young female athlete. As discussed throughout this article, hormonal influences on ligament laxity, along with structural characteristics such as knee hyperextension, are commonly observed in this population.

Using appropriate graft selection alongside LET where indicated provides an additional layer of structural support and may improve long-term outcomes in higher-risk athletes.

Summary

There is a complex interplay between hormonal, structural, and neuromuscular factors that may increase ACL injury risk in young female athletes. While many aspects of the research still require further clarity, it is clear that both modifiable and non-modifiable factors are at play.

There are several practical approaches that can help mitigate risk while also improving performance. As participation in female sport continues to grow, appropriate exposure to education, training, and support systems is no longer optional. It is essential.

Actionable Takeaways

• Pre-season screening and strength testing, alongside ongoing in-season monitoring, can help identify and manage risk

• Strength and neuromuscular training should be prioritized, including development of landing mechanics and force absorption

• Coaches can use warm-ups and training creatively to expose athletes to a wider range of movement patterns, which can improve engagement and reduce repetitive strain

• Avoiding early sport specialization where possible can support long-term performance and reduce injury risk

• Graft selection should consider individual factors such as age and injury history, with input from both the physio and orthopaedic surgeon

• Discussing additional surgical options, such as LET where appropriate, may improve outcomes in higher-risk athletes

• Education for both athletes and parents is key. Increasing awareness and training age can have a meaningful impact on long-term development and injury mitigation

For athletes or parents looking for more structured support, this is where individualized assessment and programming can make a meaningful difference: Book an Initial Assessment

Build the Athlete First: Why Youth Athletes Need Physical Literacy Before Sport Specialization

Written by Evelyn Calado, MKin, CSCS, RKin

Every parent wants the best for their child.

A chance to make the top team.
A scholarship.
A future in sport.

And because of that hope, many families fall into the same trap: more camps, more private sessions, more tournaments, more exposure. Summer schedules become nonstop. Kids bounce from training block to training block with no real break.

But more sport is not the same as better development.

Kids are not mini professionals. They are growing humans. And when young athletes are pushed into year-round specialization without a physical foundation, the outcomes are predictable: burnout, recurring injuries, stalled progress, and a quiet loss of joy for the game.

The goal of youth sport is not to peak at 12 or 13.
The goal is to build a base that allows athletes to keep improving at 16, 18, and beyond.

That is where long-term athlete development matters.

What long-term athlete development actually means

In Canada, Sport for Life’s Long-Term Development framework is very clear: athletes need to do the right things at the right time.

Early stages such as Active Start, FUNdamentals, and Learn to Train focus on physical literacy before puberty. Physical literacy includes fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, landing, throwing, catching, climbing, rotating, balancing, and reacting.

This physical foundation is what allows athletes to specialize later if they choose. It is not a delay. It is preparation.

When kids skip these stages and jump straight into high volumes of sport-specific training, they often get good at the sport temporarily, until their body becomes the limiting factor.

The real cost of early sport specialization

Early sport specialization is heavily marketed. Parents are told that year-round commitment and early focus are the path to success.

Research and real-world coaching experience tell a different story.

Early specialization and high training volume are associated with:

• Higher rates of overuse injuries

• Increased burnout and mental fatigue

• Decreased long-term participation in sport

• Recurrent pain that becomes “normal” far too early

If a child is always sore, always tight, or always tired, that is not a badge of dedication. That is a signal.

We are now seeing stress fractures, chronic tendon pain, and ACL injuries in middle school athletes. That should concern everyone involved in youth sport.

Kids should still be kids (and this matters for performance)

One of the most overlooked pieces of youth development is unstructured movement.

Kids need time to:

• Run fast without a stopwatch

• Jump and land naturally

• Skip, hop, and change direction

• Throw and catch objects of different shapes and weights

• Wrestle, climb, crawl, and play games

• Solve movement problems without constant instruction

This type of movement exposure builds coordination, adaptability, and resilience. It also builds better athletes later.

The best long-term performers are rarely the ones who only did one sport year-round from childhood. They are often the kids who played multiple sports, played outside, and developed broad athletic skills early.

Strength training is not the problem. It is part of the solution.

One of the most persistent myths in youth sport is that strength training is dangerous for kids.

When strength training is age appropriate, coached properly, and focused on movement quality, it is not only safe, it is one of the most effective tools we have.

For youth athletes, strength training helps:

• Improve sprinting and jumping ability

• Build tendon and joint resilience

• Improve posture and body control

• Reduce injury risk

• Build confidence and competence in movement

Strength training does not mean maximal lifting or adult programs scaled down. It means learning how to move well under load, progressing gradually, and respecting growth and recovery.

The issue is not strength training.
The issue is poor coaching and poor programming.

Youth training guidelines

When parents ask what a balanced approach actually looks like, I lean on five clear guidelines from the Australian Institute of Sport. These guidelines help protect young athletes while still allowing them to develop.

1. Two days off structured sport per week

Young athletes should have two days off organized sport each week.
This does not mean inactivity. It means a break from formal practices, games, and competitions.

No more than three structured training days in a row is a good rule of thumb.

Days off are used for recovery, light movement, and general athletic development, not more sport volume.

2. Minimum 24 hours between intense sessions

Intense sessions include impact, contact, sprints, and jumps.

If today is a hard practice or game, tomorrow should not be another high-intensity day whenever possible. Tissues and the nervous system need time to recover.

3. Fatigue reduction matters

If a kid is constantly sore, tired, or emotionally flat, something needs to change.

Priorities include:

• Adequate nutrition

• Sleep, often 9 or more hours for youth

• Monitoring total load, including practices, games, extra training, camps, and school stress

Fatigue is not always physical. Academic and emotional stress count too.

4. Strength training 2 to 3 times per week

Strength training should be a consistent part of youth development.

This builds the foundation for speed, power, tissue resilience, and confidence. The focus should always be on quality movement, not chasing numbers.

5. Adjust training during stressful life periods

During exams, growth spurts, poor sleep, emotional stress, or unusually busy weeks, training volume should be reduced.

Pulling back is not falling behind. It is smart coaching.

What a balanced training week can look like

This will vary based on age, maturity, sport, and season, but a general structure might look like:

• Two days off structured sport

• Two to three sport practices or games

• Two strength training sessions

• Intense days separated by at least 24 hours

• Strength sessions adjusted in volume during heavy competition weeks

This approach supports development without constantly pushing kids into a recovery deficit.

What parents should look for in youth training

Youth physical development is largely unregulated, which makes it hard for parents to know what to look for.

At minimum, a coach working with youth should have:

• Education in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field

• Training in growth, motor development, and youth exercise prescription

• A clear philosophy aligned with long-term athlete development

• Safe Sport or ethics training

• Insurance and proper business practices

• The ability to adjust training when a child is tired, sore, or growing rapidly

Being a former high-level athlete does not automatically make someone qualified to guide youth physical development.

Good intentions are not enough.

The long-term goal is bigger than sport

There will be a last game every athlete plays.

Sport is finite. Strength, movement skill, and confidence in the body are not.

When kids learn to move well, build strength, recover properly, and respect their body, they carry those habits into adulthood. Whether they pursue elite sport or not, they win.

The goal is not to create robots who grind year-round.
The goal is to build adaptable, resilient humans who can handle sport, stress, and life.

That starts by building the athlete first.

How We Support Youth Athletes

If you are a parent in Vancouver and want a smarter approach that supports your child’s sport without piling on more volume, Avos Strength works with youth athletes using a long-term development model that prioritizes health, performance, and longevity.

Book a youth athlete consult

References

Australian Institute of Sport. (n.d.). Youth and junior athlete development principles. Australian Sports Commission.
https://www.ais.gov.au

Balyi, I., Way, R., & Higgs, C. (2013). Long-term athlete development. Human Kinetics.

Faigenbaum, A. D., Kraemer, W. J., Blimkie, C. J. R., Jeffreys, I., Micheli, L. J., Nitka, M., & Rowland, T. W. (2009). Youth resistance training: Updated position statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(Suppl 5), S60–S79.
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31819df407

International Olympic Committee. (2015). Youth athletic development: IOC consensus statement. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(13), 843–851.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094962

Jayanthi, N. A., LaPrade, R. F., Meeuwisse, W. H., Oberlander, T. F., & Patel, D. R. (2015). Sports-specialized intensive training and the risk of injury in young athletes: A clinical case-control study. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(4), 794–801.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514567292

LaPrade, R. F., Agel, J., Baker, J., Brenner, J. S., Cordasco, F. A., Côté, J., Engebretsen, L., Feeley, B. T., Gould, D., Hainline, B., Hewett, T. E., Jayanthi, N., Kocher, M. S., Myer, G. D., Nissen, C. W., Philippon, M. J., Provencher, M. T., & Sanchez, G. (2016). AOSSM early sport specialization consensus statement. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(4).
https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967116644241

Lubans, D. R., Morgan, P. J., Cliff, D. P., Barnett, L. M., & Okely, A. D. (2010). Fundamental movement skills in children and adolescents: Review of associated health benefits. Sports Medicine, 40(12), 1019–1035.
https://doi.org/10.2165/11536850-000000000-00000

O’Kane, J. W., Neradilek, M., Polissar, N., Sabado, L., Tencer, A., & Schiff, M. A. (2017). Risk factors for lower extremity overuse injuries in female youth soccer players. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 5(10).
https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967117733963

Sport for Life. (n.d.). Long-term development framework.
https://sportforlife.ca

Supporting Young Athletes: Nutrition and the Role of Creatine

As youth athletes strive to enhance their performance, understanding proper nutrition and supplementation becomes essential. For young athletes involved in intense training, the right dietary choices can make a significant difference in their athletic development. Here, we’ll explore the importance of nutrition for muscle growth, the role of creatine, and considerations for its safe use.

The Importance of Nutrition for Young Athletes

Youth athletes often face high training demands, balancing school, sports, and recovery. Meeting nutritional needs is crucial for optimal performance and muscle development.

1. Macronutrient Breakdown: To support lean muscle mass, a well-rounded diet should include adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fats:

   • Protein: Aim for 1.4-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. Protein aids in muscle repair and growth, which is essential for resistance training sessions.

   • Carbohydrates:

     • For athletes training 1-3 hours per day, a target of 6-10 grams per kilogram of body weight is beneficial to ensure adequate energy levels.

     • For those training approximately 60 minutes per day, a target of 5-7 grams per kilogram of body weight is usually sufficient to support energy needs.

   • Fats: Healthy fats should make up about 25-30% of total daily caloric intake, supporting overall health and hormone production.

2. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial, particularly when engaging in intense training sessions. Proper hydration supports recovery and performance.

3. Recovery: Emphasizing rest and recovery is essential for young athletes. Quality sleep and active recovery days help the body adapt and grow stronger.

The Role of Creatine

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in sports nutrition, known for its potential to enhance strength and muscle mass. While typically associated with older athletes, creatine can be safe and beneficial for youth athletes when used responsibly.

1. Safety and Dosage: Recent research indicates that a daily dose of 3-5 grams of creatine monohydrate is sufficient for young athletes. Unlike previous recommendations, a loading phase is no longer necessary. It’s important to monitor hydration levels, as creatine can cause muscles to retain water.

2. Benefits: For young athletes, creatine can support:

   • Increased power output during resistance training.

   • Improved recovery between training sessions.

   • Enhanced overall performance in sports.

3. Consultation: Before starting any supplementation, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and training goals.

ConclusioN

For young athletes committed to improving their performance, nutrition plays a pivotal role in their development. By focusing on a balanced diet and considering safe supplementation options like creatine, young athletes can effectively support their training and growth.

Note: These recommendations are general and may not be suitable for everyone. It's always best to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to tailor nutrition plans to individual needs.

Maintaining a foundation of proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery is crucial to long-term success in sports.

Building a Strong Foundation: The Crucial Role of Youth Strength and Conditioning

Introduction

As parents, coaches, and educators, we all want the best for our youth. We strive to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in life, both physically and mentally. One often overlooked aspect of youth development is strength and conditioning. Recent research has shed light on the importance of building strength and athleticism in young individuals, and it goes far beyond just being physically fit. In this blog post, we'll delve into the significance of strength and conditioning for youth, emphasizing key factors like peak height velocity, critical windows for development, proper form, and the many benefits, both physical and psychological, that come with it.

1. Peak Height Velocity (PHV) and Critical Windows

Peak Height Velocity (PHV) refers to the period during adolescence when an individual experiences their most rapid growth in height. It typically occurs around ages 12 to 14 in girls and 14 to 16 in boys. During this critical window, a child's body is highly adaptable and responsive to training stimuli. Research has shown that this is the optimal time to introduce strength and conditioning programs, as the body can make significant gains in muscle and bone development.

2. Developing Proper Form and Fundamental Movement Patterns

Strength training is not just about lifting weights; it's about teaching young athletes proper form and fundamental movement patterns. Developing these skills early not only reduces the risk of injury but also sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy physical activity. Young athletes who learn how to move correctly are less likely to develop bad habits that can lead to injury in the long run.

3. Physical and Psychological Benefits

The benefits of strength and conditioning for youth go beyond the physical realm. Improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment are often seen in young individuals who engage in structured training programs. When children see the results of their hard work in the form of increased strength and improved athletic performance, it boosts their self-esteem and provides a sense of purpose.

4. Injury Prevention and Athletic Performance

One of the most significant advantages of youth strength training is injury prevention. Developing strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments can protect young athletes from common sports-related injuries. Additionally, increased strength and power contribute to enhanced athletic performance. Young athletes who engage in strength and conditioning programs often experience improvements in speed, agility, and vertical jump height – essential attributes for sports like basketball and volleyball.

5. Setting the Stage for Future Success

For those aspiring to collegiate, varsity, or even professional sports, youth strength and conditioning lay the groundwork for future success. The physical and mental discipline acquired through training can translate into elite-level performance. Many professional athletes credit their early exposure to strength training as a key factor in their journey to the top.

Conclusion

In today's competitive world, youth strength and conditioning should be considered an essential component of a well-rounded education. It's not just about building strong bodies but also about fostering confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals. By introducing strength training during the critical windows of development, emphasizing proper form and fundamental movement patterns, and reaping the physical and psychological benefits, we can set our youth on a path to a healthier, more successful future. Remember, investing in the physical well-being of our youth today will pay dividends for a lifetime of achievement and happiness.