Long-Term Athlete Development Model
In Canada, the Long-Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD) was designed by experts in the fields of physical literacy, mental health, community sport development, coach development, long-term development, sport specialization and sport system building to name a few through the Sport for Life Organization.
This model is the foundation for what we do at Attack Sports. Children, youth and adults need to do the right things at the right time to develop in their sport or activity and by using this model, we can determine what our athletes need to be doing at specific ages and stages.
Why is this Important?
There is a lot of data and research that indicates the same thing - kids and adults will get active, stay active and even reach the pinnacles of sport if they do the right things at the right times. The LTAD's (or the Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity as it is now being called as of 2019) goal is to promote sports excellence and life-long health-enhancing physical activity.
At Attack Sports we aim to implement these objectives and goals through our programs for youth and adults. One of our mandates is to develop healthy, capable and resilient individuals through physical literacy and activity for life.
What are the Stages?
There are seven stages to the model; however, not all individuals need all seven stages. In fact, most individuals complete the foundational stages and move into the active for life stage. Those who are wanting to compete at higher levels of sport or activity have a split pathway.
We have outlined the stages here as described by Sport for Life.
What Does Attack Sports Do?
At Attack Sports we used the LTAD model as our foundation for our programming and class design. More specifically, we utilize a multi-sport concept, fundamental movement skills and the theory of physical literacy. We aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are able to compete in whichever activity they choose whether it be a competitive sport or recreational activity.
Learn more about the benefits of multi-sport participation here! We also have information about physical literacy (click here) as well as the fundamental movement skills (click here!).