BROMSGROVE’S group of future Harry Kanes swapped the football field for treadmills and punching bags as they were put through their paces thanks to a piece of goodwill from a local fitness centre.
The Academy Kicks football group was formed by Nathan Broadhurst as a way of encouraging his children and other youngsters in the area to play the sport.
The scheme was originally set up as a development centre in 2019 but after lockdown he and coach Dan Sadler decided to start playing competitive fixtures.
After initially starting with five sides for youngsters up to 13 years old, Academy Kicks now run 15 talented teams across various age groups.
Academy Kicks find it very difficult to train in the winter weather due to the icy conditions and have been looking for another method of keeping the team’s fitness up.
And Dan, who coaches the AK Eagles side, regularly works out in David Lloyd’s Blaze studio and after speaking to manager Torg Bilgimer was able to secure a free youth session for his team.
Nathan Broadhurst and Dan Sadler wanted to find somewhere for the team to train during the winter months. s
Youngsters used to the muddy pitches of the beautiful game took part in high-intensity cardio, strength and combat training in the high-tech fitness studio, with parents coming along to support.
And the players were able to track their progress in the Blaze studio through specialist equipment and heart rate monitors.
Dan said: “We broke the news to the team before Christmas and all the lads were so excited, it really boosted morale in training and they’ve been constantly asking when the session was.
“It’s been great for team bonding and has allowed everyone to learn new fitness techniques that will help us going into games.”
Dan added he’s spoken to Torg and there will be scope for extending the free sessions to Academy Kicks’ other teams should this trial be successful.
