Santander International is to sponsor the Strive Academy, bringing the benefits of elite sport and fitness to Islanders.
The Strive Academy is a new centre for fitness, providing world class training facilities and health education in Jersey.
Open to athletes and schools, the Strive Academy will offer elite training and help young Islanders develop good habits around wellness, health, and fitness, setting them up for a better quality of life. Located in St Peter, next to the Stade Santander International, home of the Jersey Rugby Club, the Strive Academy is part of Strive, Jersey’s largest new health club with over 32,000 square feet dedicated to fitness and wellbeing.
When the Strive Academy opens in June, it will provide over 400 places for local athletes, and 15,000 hours of free educational access a year to Island primary and secondary schools, helping youngsters on their journey to fitter lifestyles and sporting success.
James Pountney, CEO Santander International, told Channel Eye: “Sport and fitness play an important role in wellbeing. By supporting the Strive Academy, Santander International is committed to helping local athletes develop their talents and enabling young Islanders to find a lifelong love of exercise, fitness, and good nutrition. The Academy will also be a base for athletes and teams visiting Jersey, raising the profile of sport in the Island, and showing the global sports community what Jersey can offer.”
The Strive Academy will include a 10,000 square foot fitness area with an altitude training zone, a hydrotherapy pool for rehabilitation, a reformer pilates suite and studio equipped for aerial yoga, a martial arts space, and a medical and conditioning suite offering massage, physio, and nutrition support. This replicates many of the facilities found in the Strive Health Club on the other side of the building.
Strive’s approach covers five key areas: mind, movement, fitness, nutrition, and recovery. Expert coaches have already been recruited to lead the team, training up to 30 locally employed staff who will run the health complex and sports programmes.
The project is led by Ben Harvey, former director of Jersey Rugby Club, who began developing the concept nine years ago. Ben said: “We believe that by offering world-class facilities, and world-class programmes we can help develop world-class athletes.
“However, fitness is not just about sport, Strive offers a whole body and mind approach that starts with young people in the classroom and spreads out into the wider community. Health and fitness are for everyone and thanks to the support of Santander International, the Strive Academy can help athletes and widen access for all Islanders.”
