I’m just back from a holiday to India, visiting my wife’s family there. It was my first time to India and among many incredible sights, sounds and flavours (I think I’m at least one size bigger!) we visited the incredible Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and devotion built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
But no amount of pictures or descriptions could prepare me for the moment I stood before it. The grandeur, the detail, the sheer scale—it felt like time stood still.
Bizarrely enough, visiting an ancient wonder got me thinking about training kids.
Wait what?!
What on earth could the Taj Mahal possibly have to do with coaching a 10 year old?!?
Well quite a lot actually…
For those that don’t know, the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument. It’s a symbol of devotion and a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Every stone was carefully selected, every intricate design carved with precision, and all of it has endured for nearly 400 years.
As I gazed at this wonder, I began thinking about how its creation parallels coaching youth athletes. Just as the Taj Mahal was crafted to stand the test of time, so too is the work we do at The Athlete Academy, building strong foundations in youth development that can last a lifetime.
A Monument created by Commitment and Expertise
Shah Jahan didn’t choose just anyone to build the Taj Mahal. It’s estimated that around 20,000 workers were involved in the construction of the Taj Mahal, including masons, stonecutters, painters, calligraphers, and laborers. The collective efforts of these skilled individuals helped shape this masterpiece over a period of approximately 20 years. He assembled the most skilled architects and artisans of his time to ensure that his wife’s memory would be honored with a structure that would never fade and would make people stand in awe. The marble used to construct the Taj Mahal was transported from Makrana, a town over 300km away in Rajasthan, famous for its high-quality white marble.
The marble, was known specifically for its durability and elegance. The fact it’s still standing now proves it was a good choice! The inlay work of semi-precious stones and intricate carvings was done with such care that, centuries later, the details are still crisp, the beauty undiminished.
This focus on expertise reminds me of the approach we should take in youth development. We shouldn’t rely on guesswork or generic routines from Instagram or Tik Tok. Qualified and experienced Coaches should be sought out to use proven methods backed by science and years of experience to guide young athletes. Like the architects of the Taj Mahal, we understand that to create something that lasts, you need the right materials and skilled minds.
Quality Foundations for the Long-Term
The Taj Mahal isn’t just a beautiful façade—it’s a fortress of enduring quality. The marble may glisten in the sunlight, but it’s the solid foundation beneath that keeps the structure strong, allowing it to stand through earthquakes, floods, and the passage of time. Every detail was designed not just to dazzle in the moment but to last through the ages.
In youth athletic development, the same principle applies. A young athlete’s foundation is crucial. The habits, skills, and mindset they develop at an early age will determine how far they go. That’s why, we focus on building a strong, well-rounded foundation—one that includes not just physical strength and agility, but also mental resilience, nutrition, and recovery. Our goal is to give young athletes the tools they need to thrive, not just for the next game, but for years to come.
Endurance by Design
What struck me most about the Taj Mahal wasn’t just its beauty but its ability to endure. More than 400 years later, it’s still standing, still mesmerizing visitors from around the world. This wasn’t an accident. The architects designed it with precise symmetry, perfectly balanced to withstand the elements. Every piece of the structure works together, creating a monument that is as stable as it is beautiful.
In the same way, athletic development needs to be thoughtfully structured. Each element—strength, speed, agility, recovery—must complement the others. If one part is neglected, the entire system can crumble. That’s why, at The Athlete Academy, we take a holistic approach, ensuring that every aspect of an athlete’s development is nurtured. It’s this balance that allows young athletes to reach their full potential and maintain their health and performance over time.
A Legacy That Lasts
As I left the Taj Mahal, I couldn’t shake the thought that what we do with young athletes is, in its own way, about building a legacy. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a lasting tribute to his wife, a monument that would stand long after both their lives had passed. In youth development, our goal is to create something lasting too—equipping young athletes with the skills, habits, and mindset that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Just as the Taj Mahal has stood the test of time, the foundation we build with each athlete will help them endure the challenges of sport and life. And, in the end, isn’t that the most meaningful legacy we can create?
Rob Anderson
Founder, The Athlete Academy
