Resistance training for young teenager?

[sawman]

If there are any fitness professionals in here, I would appreciate some advice. My lad is 13, he plays rugby and is in a county development program. He excercises pretty regularly at school and at rugby training. He seems to have got it into his head that he should be doing gym work too, as some of his slightly older team mates do ( he is youngest in the squad as an august birthday)
My understand has always been that resistance work (machines or free weights) should be avoided at this age due to risk of injury and lack of attention to technique. Whats fhe current thoughts ?

[mcelliott]

I've been taking my 15 year old daughter to the gym for over a year (she's training to be in the army) and I think it's absolutely fine, in my opinion, as long as you don't go silly with either weights or form. She has progressed extremely well, 90% on machines, but also some free weight work too. A real difference in her physique and strength. Like I say, just keep them supervised and they'll be no problems.