Youth Academy
Unlike a standard 'Junior Gym' membership, which offers general supervision, the Physical Culture Youth Academy provides structured technical tuition in Olympic Weightlifting.
Led by Head of Performance James Daley (International Competitor, Team Jamaica) and following the British Weight Lifting (BWL) technical syllabus, students learn discipline, biomechanics, and an elite sporting mindset in a safe, semi-private environment.
Rooted in the Putney community, the Academy is committed to making a positive, lasting impact on local youth, building confidence, character, and a sense of belonging both inside and outside the gym.
Class Schedule
Term time
• U12 Development Squad (Ages 8–12): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 16:00 – 16:45
• Teen Performance Squad (Ages 13–16): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 16:45 – 17:30
Sessions are capped at 45 mins to align with Youth Athlete Development guidelines.
Academy Tuition Fees
We are committed to making elite sport accessible to the young people of Putney and Wandsworth.
Hardship Bursary: We maintain a limited number of fully funded scholarship places for local young people in extreme financial hardship
• Standard Tuition: £120 per month
Includes 2x Squad Sessions per week + Competition Support
• Community Access Rate (Bursary): £60 per month
Available for local young people on lower incomes. Application/Referral required.
James Daley
Senior Weightlifting Coach & Head of Performance
James is not just a personal trainer; he is an international competitive athlete and an academic specialist in human performance.
He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Strength & Conditioning and currently represents Team Jamaica on the world stage.
International Athlete (Team Jamaica)
• Pan American Championships Competitor (2020/2021/2024): Representing Jamaica at the continental level.
• IWF World Championships: Selected to compete at the highest level of global weightlifting.
• Commonwealth Games Pathway: Active international competitor for the Jamaican National Team.
National Level Success (UK)
• English Championships: 4th Place (2017).
• British University Championships: 2x Medalist.
• Competitive Tenure: Active competitive weightlifter for over 10 years.
Academic & Professional Excellence
• MSc in Strength & Conditioning Science (Middlesex University, 2022) – Specialising in elite athlete performance.
• BSc in Health, Exercise & Physical Activity (St Mary’s University, 2015).
• Head Coach Experience: Former Head Coach of St Mary’s University Strength & Weightlifting Club.