‘Elite’ strength and conditioning gym launches at Sunderland College

North East strength and conditioning coach Martin Nugent has opened a state-of-the-art sports facility at Sunderland College.

Martin Nugent Elite Performance, launched in partnership with the college, will offer access to top-level strength and conditioning training via its gym equipment and NSCA-accredited coaches.

It is located at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus on Durham Road, next to the multi-million pound Sports Academy.

Martin said: “It’s an extremely exciting time for both Martin Nugent Elite Performance and Sunderland College with the opening of this unique facility. It is one of only a handful of elite performance facilities in the North.

“My team of coaches have extensive experience working in professional sport, using world-class facilities, alongside some of the lead names in strength and conditioning.”

He added: “We are looking forward to developing our partnership with Sunderland College and to grow elite level sport.”

Most of the centre’s equipment was custom-built and imported from the US to give it an American sports university gym vibe.

Sunderland College’s faculty director for sports, health and wellbeing, John Rushworth, commented: “This is an exciting and innovate partnership between Sunderland College and Martin Nugent Elite Performance, creating an elite strength and conditioning facility through Martin Nugent and his superb team of industry experts.

“We are delighted to have Martin and his team based at our Bede Campus and supporting our Sports Development Centre students.”

John continued: “Our men’s and women’s Football Development Centre players have already spent pre-season working with Martin, benefitting from both the world class facilities and expert strength and conditioning coaching.”

Attendees at the formal opening included rugby player Tamara Taylor, who led England as captain during the 2015 Women’s Six Nations Championship, and Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Freddie said: “Working with Martin has taken my game to another level. The environment he has created is unbelievable. You turn up to an incredible performance centre with the intention to improve with the help of unique coaching.”