College first in country for dynamic sport equipment

Young athletes in the North East are the first in the country to benefit from a revolutionary new training machine that promises to significantly boost their performance.

Following thorough research, Gateshead College has become the first college in the country to invest in the new gym equipment, which will provide strength and balance training for students at its Academy for Sport.

The piece of kit, inspired by the challenging conditioning techniques employed by a Texas university, will transform the training schedules of every sport student, but has specific benefits for the college’s Rugby Academy teams.

Liam Gumbrill, sports academy lead at Gateshead College, said: “We’ve only just taken delivery of the new equipment but are already getting lots of really positive feedback from staff and students.

“While this may seem like a wild move for a UK college, we have done our due diligence and know just how much impact this investment will have. We are 100% committed to giving our young athletes the very best experience on and off the pitch.”

The kit was purchased from American company Row Dio Training Solutions, a multi-million dollar business which primarily works with sports clubs, schools, colleges and universities in the Western United States.

Liam added: “Our Rugby Academy students are going to be able to get the most out of the kit. It will help them with their core and grip strength, tackle technique, grappling and improving how they have to adapt their body in the contact area. They’ll be developing and fine tuning fundamental movements that will help them take the work they are doing in the gym to the pitch.”

Clayton Walker, 18, who plays prop was the first student on the equipment. He said: “It’s amazing. I’ve told all the team about it and it’s spurred them on to give it a go. As far as I’m concerned, anything that’s going to give us better form on the pitch is a win for me. It’s something no other college is doing and may seem daunting even for a rugby player, but you’ve sometimes just got to take the bull by the horns and go for it.”

Located at Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead College’s Academy for Sport is home to nine different sport academies.