SkillsLoop Junior Academy

For young riders aged 10–15 who want to build confidence, improve their technique and take their mountain biking to the next level.

Junior Academy sessions combine professional MTB coaching with progressive challenges, trail riding and plenty of fun.

From stronger foundations and better cornering through to jumps, drops, steep terrain and bike control, each Academy session gives young riders something new to work on.

More than just riding laps

Young riders often progress incredibly quickly when they understand the technique behind what they are doing.

Junior Academy is designed to give riders those foundations early, helping them develop good habits, stronger bike control and the confidence to progress safely.

Professional coaching

Clear, practical coaching designed specifically around young riders and their development.

Small groups

With a maximum of 6 riders, there is plenty of opportunity for individual feedback throughout the session.

Progressive sessions

Skills are broken down and built up gradually rather than simply pushing riders towards bigger features.

Confidence first

Progression should be exciting, not intimidating. Riders are encouraged and challenged without being pressured.

What do we work on?

Junior Academy sessions vary throughout the year, allowing riders to develop across lots of different areas of mountain biking.

The exact content depends on the session, location and rider ability.

Core Skills

The foundations behind almost everything we do on a mountain bike.

Body position
Balance
Bike and body separation
Weighting and unweighting
Dynamic movement

Cornering

Learn how to create more grip, carry more speed and feel more confident when the trail changes direction.

Flat corners
Berms
Foot position
Bike separation
Vision
Braking

Jumps

Build strong jump foundations before progressing onto larger features.

Approach position
Pumping
Loading the bike
Take-off timing
Flight position
Landing control

Drops

Learn different techniques for riding drops with better control and confidence.

Rolling drops
Front wheel control
Pop technique
Approach speed
Landing position

Steep & Technical Terrain

Learn how body position, braking and vision work together when the trail gets more demanding.

Body position
Brake modulation
Vision
Line choice
Maintaining control

Trail Skills

Put individual techniques together and learn how to read and ride real trail terrain.

Roots and rocks
Line choice
Trail scanning
Maintaining flow
Choosing the right technique

Progression, not pressure

One of the most important parts of Junior Academy is teaching young riders that progression does not simply mean riding the biggest feature.

Strong technique on a smaller feature is far more valuable than rushing onto something bigger before the rider is ready.

Our approach is simple:

Learn the technique. Build consistency. Grow confidence. Then progress.

Information for parents

We want Junior Academy to be enjoyable for the riders and reassuring for parents.

Sessions are coached in small groups and riders are given individual feedback throughout the course.

Ages

Junior Academy is for riders aged 10–15 years.

Group size

Maximum of 6 riders, with a minimum of 3 riders required for a public session to run.

Parent availability

Parents or guardians must remain available for the duration of the session.

Rider behaviour

Riders are expected to listen to coaching instructions and behave respectfully towards coaches and other riders.

Please check the bike before the course

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring the rider's bike is safe, suitable for mountain biking and fit for purpose before arriving.

We will always keep an eye out for obvious problems, but a coaching session cannot replace proper bike maintenance.

Important:

A bike that is unsafe or unsuitable for the planned session may mean the rider cannot take part.

This is a safety decision and cannot be ignored simply because a course place has already been booked.

Want to get their bike setup closer before the course?

Bike setup can make a big difference to a young rider's confidence and control.

Our SkillsLoop Bike Setup Tool provides personalised starting points for tyre pressure, suspension, cockpit setup, brake lever position, bar width and more.

It can be especially useful as young riders grow, change bikes or start progressing onto more demanding terrain.

Try the Bike Setup Tool

Is Junior Academy right for your rider?

Junior Academy could be a great fit if they:

Are aged between 10 and 15
Already enjoy mountain biking and want to improve
Want to build confidence on the trail
Enjoy learning alongside other young riders
Want to improve jumps, drops or cornering
Want to become smoother and more controlled
Are enthusiastic about developing their riding

Riders do not need to be the fastest or most experienced person in the group.

What matters most is being willing to listen, learn, practise and support the other riders around them.

Course details

Price

Junior Academy sessions are £45 per rider.

Age

For riders aged 10–15 years.

Group size

Maximum 6 riders.

Minimum of 3 riders required for the session to run.

Locations

Sessions can take place at Cannock Chase, Hill Top Bike Park and other suitable MTB locations depending on the course focus.

Session times

Morning Session

10:00am – 12:30pm

Afternoon Session

1:00pm – 3:30pm

Please check the individual course date and joining information for the exact location and session time before travelling.

Parking

Parking is available at the sites used for Junior Academy sessions.

Parking charges may apply depending on the location.

Photography & video

Photographs and video may be taken during sessions for coaching, instructional and SkillsLoop social media purposes.

If you would prefer your child not to be photographed or filmed, please let the coach know before the session begins.

Before you book

Please make sure the rider is aged between 10 and 15 years.
Riders must have a suitable mountain bike and helmet.
Parents or guardians must ensure the bike is safe and fit for purpose.
Parents or guardians must remain available for the duration of the session.
Riders must follow coaching instructions and behave respectfully towards the group.
An unsafe bike or behaviour that compromises the safety of the group may result in the rider being removed from the session.
Please make yourself aware of the SkillsLoop Terms & Conditions before booking.

Ride. Learn. Progress.

Junior Academy is about helping young riders develop more than just the confidence to ride bigger features.

We want them to understand their technique, learn how to make good decisions on the bike and build strong foundations they can carry into years of riding.

Most importantly, we want them to leave the session wanting to get back on their bike and practice what they have learned.

Contact SkillsLoop

Email: info@skillsloop.com
Tel: 07429325729
Facebook: SkillsLoop