Our Programs
Strength & Conditioning Intensive — Grades 7, 8 & 9. Open enrollment for the full league runs ages 7–18, year-round.
Ages
7 – 18
Summer Focus
Grades 7–9
Location
Essex County, NJ
Applications
Open Now
Personal & Athletic Excellence
Functional lifts, compound movements & progressive overload built for young bodies.
Speed drills, endurance circuits & sport-specific work that builds real game stamina.
Mental toughness, goal-setting & the habits that separate good athletes from great ones.
Warm-up protocols & flexibility training that protects against injury long-term.
Service, brotherhood & sisterhood, and academic pride — the standard our HBCU & D9 families pass down.
The Full Picture
Athletic Performance
Strength · Speed · Agility — explosive training to elevate on-field and off.
Leadership Development
Confidence · Character · Discipline — developing leaders in sports and in life.
Sports Nutrition
Healthy habits and fueling education that supports peak performance.
Injury Prevention
Mobility, recovery, and movement quality — training smart to stay strong and healthy.
Team Building
Communication and accountability — stronger together, better every day.
Mentorship
Positive role models providing guidance that inspires growth and success.
The Takeaway
✓ Increased strength
✓ Faster speed & agility
✓ Improved athletic confidence
✓ Better conditioning
✓ Leadership skills
✓ Teamwork & communication
✓ Injury prevention strategies
✓ Healthier lifestyle habits
Founder of G.R.O.W. Lifestyle, building community across Fitness, Fashion, Food, Finance & Fun in Essex County, NJ.
Taj Bland
Oversees operations across G.R.O.W. Lifestyle and G.R.O.W. Athletes, and leads athletic development and on-field training.
Summer 2026 Registration Packet
Once your family’s membership application is accepted, you’ll complete a short registration packet before your athlete’s first session.
Athlete Profile
Personal information, school & grade, primary sport(s), athletic goals, emergency contact, medical information.
Parent Agreement
Program expectations, parent commitment, communication plan, Code of Conduct, and cancellation policy.
Liability Waiver
Liability release, medical authorization, assumption of risk, photo/media release, and digital signature.
Parent Handbook
Program overview, policies & procedures, athlete expectations, parent guidelines, and FAQs.
Who It’s For
G.R.O.W. Athletes welcomes young athletes across Essex County, NJ. This summer’s intensive spotlight is built specifically for grades 7, 8, and 9, with year-round programming planned for the full 7–18 age range as the league grows.
Every athlete trains under direct coach supervision, with safety, equipment, and conduct protocols outlined in our Code of Conduct.
Membership is limited and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Start your family’s application today.