Sender IXS Performance Kids MTB Academy. Expert Coaching based from Sender Bike Park, Aviemore Scotland
“Smart Purposeful Practice drives Perfect Performances!”
Sender IXS Academy is an intensive, progressive MTB coaching system like no other, designed specifically for young riders during the school holidays.
We laser-focus on bombproof repeatable skills and techniques in the key elements of Jumping – Drops – Cornering – MTB Psychology and Bike Set-Up that give any young rider super strong foundations
Riders who graduate from Performance Academy can progress to our Advanced Performance Academy, where we consolidate, revisit, refine and apply them to faster, bigger and more technical terrain. You cannot attend Advanced Academy without first attending Performance Academy and being invited / selected.
Advanced Academy Riders will learn tricks including X-Ups, No-Footers and Tyre Grabs, complete timed race runs, and travel to some of the best technical riding in the North of Scotland to develop confidence on sick doubles, road gaps, river gaps and advanced technical features.
Join us for Expert Coaching at the next Performance Academy.
Performance – Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th October 2026 – £200
Performance – Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th October 2026 – £200
Riders are NOT going to progress when they have fundamentally weak movement patterns and they repeat these patterns in terrain which is complex. Riders will only SURVIVE and not THRIVE in these situations. ALL sports remove complexity to deal with the foundations FIRST. We can do this EXTREMELY EFFECTIVELY.
It is significantly less effective to learn Core MTB Elements (Skills and Techniques) on the Trail due to the complexity of terrain. What we do at Sender Bike Park is remove this complexity completely to work on repetition of the correct movement patterns without any fear or anxiety. Only once riders are looking solid do we then reintroduce Skills and Techniques to the trail and do so in a context and location where success is likely and confidence can grow through repetition.
Unlike traditional coaching academies that waste valuable coaching time pedalling around the hillside looking for features, our purpose-built bike park in Aviemore allows us to maximise learning within a compact area packed with coaching tools and aids. This means effective time focused on progressive practice to isolate and refine skills and techniques. We augment specific learning of elements by utilising superb local venues which also reduce wasted time. If you want your kids to learn right first time then we have the process sorted.
Application Process: We would love to hear from you if your child (male or female) can meet the criteria below especially if they have already been on a MTB Academy with another provider or are part of an MTB Club. They must be motivated and ready to go to the next level. If you would like us to assess rider ability for this course please whatsapp some riding clips.
Please note!: Another Girls Only Academy is planned for Easter 2027.
The ability level for these courses is set so that we can dive deep into the World of Performance MTB with children who are already confident and proficient riders. Quite simply, if your child can already jump and clear 2 m long tabletop’s (1 Adult Bike Length) consistently (with ease) and Drop Off features without hesitation twice the size of a kerb (20 cm) then they are ready to join us. Age is not a factor but all children attending will require a positive attitude and the fitness to sustain 2 days of coaching. Talented younger children may require a parent nearby at all times especially if pedalling or pushing up hill to session is challenging.
Our performance coaching ratio is 1:6, ensuring every rider receives meaningful individualised feedback and attention.
To keep sessions fun, engaging, and performance-focused, we also use the latest FREELAP timing technology when relevant, allowing riders to measure improvements and challenge themselves in a motivating environment.
Our bike park includes a wide range of progressive features and coaching aids designed to help riders develop quickly, including three large MTB Airbags which allow kids to safely progress their jumping skills when they are ready to go bigger. We also travel away from the bike park to meet at some very specific local facilities and trail venues to augment learning and put skills back into context. Parents are expected to shuttle children to and from coaching locations.
Other SUPERB Venues we use may include Cairngorm Mountain Trails (small fee) – High Burnside – Carrbridge Jumps – Grantown Jumps – Velosolutions Pump Track Boat of Garten – Laggan – Glenlivet.
Why choose the Sender IXS Performance Academy?
Game Changing / Transformational Highly Qualified and Current Coaching focussing on Jumps – Drops and Cornering utilising some of the best facilities in Scotland including our own Custom Built Bike Park with AirBags
Over 15 Years of Experience in Kids Racing (Male and Female) to Junior World Cup Level. Including a son who is the youngest ever British Cycling Level 3 MTB Leader and First British Cycling Gravity Coach and is in Fernie, Canada working for Ride Theory as a Coach. Daughter is now on the same journey.
Organiser, Helper and Trainee DH Commissaire of kids races including Dirt Crit’s and Mini DH Races for Scottish Cycling – Highland Hardline and Borders Mini DH.
The Highest Qualified MTB Coach and Guide in the UK with a Physical Education Teaching (Hons) Degree including Psychological Self Management for Elite Performers along with ALL of the UK MTB Awards from ALL Systems plus one of the ONLU UK Coaches starting the new Global Syndicate of MTB Coaches at Intermediate Level.
Ex UK Red Bull Athlete used to Performing at the Highest Levels of Sport in Dangerous and High Pressure Environments. Ex Sports Scotland National Outdoor Centre Coach.
