Journey to Becoming a PT | The story of former YMCA learner Ben Stewart

Journey to Becoming a PT

We love celebrating our past learners! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Ben Stewart, who participated in our Fitness Training Academy and has gone on to enjoy a successful career as a personal trainer. Enjoy this first-hand account of Ben’s time with YMCA and how his course set him up for success in the fitness industry! 

Person in black shirt with "Castore" logo, standing in front of "David Lloyd Clubs" sign.

My PT journey started back in 2010 when I had no idea about what career I was interested in. One thing I did know was that I didn’t want to follow my dad into his ready-made car garage. So, if it wasn’t mechanics what could it be? I’d seen an open day at a local college advertising a new full-time 2-year course, taking people from a level 2 Gym Instructor to a level 3 PT. At this point in my life, I’d only kept fit through some sport and helping my dad in his garage. However, I knew a few friends at the college and had nothing to lose. 

After a tour of the facilities and an explanation from a lecturer, Ryan Palmer (now Central YMCA CEO), I knew this was for me. 

The first 2 years 

I really liked the idea that the first year was filled with eleven Level 2 qualifications. It wasn’t just your standard course which you complete in a few months that ‘tick the box’ to become a gym instructor. In just a year, I was given all the skills and confidence to get a job in a gym – and I did exactly that. 

“If I talk to anyone wanting to become a PT, I’d always say time spent in a gym as a level 2 instructor is an invaluable way to gain experience and some confidence”. 

The second year was tougher from a theoretical point of view, between the level 3 and 4 modules while building a reputation at the gym I was working at. Members would ask for training sessions and programmes, but until I earned my certification, I did not want to offer something I wasn’t qualified in. 

Having face to face lessons were key for me to build an amazing understanding of the industry. Practical sessions were invaluable to me as I came from a zero-gym experience background. Additionally, the theory lessons allowed me to ‘switch on’ and focus on the content that suited my learning style best, allowing me to get the most out of the course. 

Earning close to 20 qualifications (ranging from Gym Instructor and Circuit Training all the way through to Walk Leading and Client Fitness Assessments) over the 2 years helped me stand out from the rest of the PT crowd once I completed my course. This gave me a huge number of options for my future. 

After qualifying 

I quickly realised that being a Level 3 PT wasn’t going to be enough to truly reach my potential. While it gave me a great set up to start working in the gym, I was still working out what I was interested in doing within the industry. I took a weekend and analysed my client base and the member demographic at the gym I was working at. 

This is something I learnt on the YMCA business module of the course, and I feel like it’s an invaluable practice to do. It helps find your niche as well as any CPD courses that will be helpful for you to grow and progress. 

Do the ‘boring’ work – so many of my clients I picked up were simply because I said hello to them as I was doing the rounds of the gym and clearing up a few weights. 

In essence I believe almost all the success I’ve had in 15 years in the industry is down to me starting on the right foot and becoming qualified through YMCA. The number of modules, qualifications, and face to face classroom lessons is what I credit with getting me started off on the right foot.  

Of course, this isn’t to say you can’t be a good coach if you didn’t complete a longer course. But from discussions I’ve had with PTs starting in the industry, many of them have the passion and enthusiasm needed to be great but are aren’t properly equipped with some of the basic ‘accessory skills’ like business and communication skills. 

Close to 15 years after starting my personal training career, I never imagined that one of my course lecturers, Ryan Palmer, would become CEO of Central YMCA. I was excited to reconnect with him to share my story and experience on the course that gave me a sense of direction and confidence to build my own health and fitness brand, move on to study for a degree, and work with more than 1000 people. 

In February 2024, Ben became the third person in history to complete a backwards trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres! We are proud to have played a small role in this amazing feat as one of Ben’s sponsors. 

Ryan had the following to say about Ben: “It was clear from the first week of Bens studies that he had a determination and a set of values that would see him succeed in the Health and Fitness industry. It’s been a pleasure to reconnect with Ben after so many years and to see him. Ben is an asset to the Fitness industry, and his charity work is nothing short of inspirational. I wish him every success for the future.” 


We’re excited to see all the other amazing accomplishments Ben has in the future! If you would like to follow his PT journey, here are the links to his website and socials: 

Website: www.bsfitness-therapy.co.uk 
Instagram: @BSfitnesstherapy 
Facebook: @BenSFT 

And if you would like to learn more about the course that kick-started his career, click here to learn more about our Fitness Training Academy. 

HortAbility – making horticulture accessible for all

HortAbility – making horticulture accessible for all

YMCA Training – in association with the Monday Charitable Trust – is offering a free Level 1 City & Guilds qualification in basic horticulture for people with disabilities. After a successful first course, we’re recruiting for the next one, which will run in Salford from Friday 31st January for would-be landscapers across the region.

YMCA’s practical horticulture course gives people living with learning disabilities, mental health issues or a physical disability, the opportunity to learn professional gardening in an inclusive and intimate environment. They’ll gain a free, nationally recognised industry qualification and support into work. 

The first course covered turf care, plant and weed identification, plant production, pruning, fertilisers, soil preparation and hanging basket production. Depending on the severity of the disability, a work placement is also included. Students have been learning about horticulture both outdoors and inside the classroom to develop their skills. The course is 80% practical.

Person in brown jacket and blue jeans sitting and gardening.
A person in a red jacket using a leaf blower in a garden.

“More focussed on the learner and less on numbers”

On completion of the 10-week course, graduates are also offered support with job applications and interviews or advice on further training in the horticulture industry. As YMCA Tutor, Rob Ironmonger explains, YMCA Training cares about individuals rather than targets:

“The YMCA is more focussed on the learner and less on numbers, but with colleges it’s all about bums on seats. We care about what the learner will get at the end of the course and what they can move onto. My job is to get people work as well as teach them. I’m looking for their next step and hope to find them something, even if it’s only a part-time job. They just want to learn and get into work.”

The course has attracted a range of learners.

Christopher: “I’ve discovered my passion and found what I want to do in life.”

Christopher, aged 33, has suffered from anxiety since childhood and although not working at the moment, has worked in several industries. He was referred to the course by Start – a charity which helps people with anxiety get back into work. Christopher, like his plants, is thriving on the course and impressively recalled all 15 plant groups both in English and Latin:

“When I first came here, I put a lot of pressure on myself to pass and get back into work, but each time I come back, I gradually overcome that hurdle and today I feel relaxed and happy.

This course has exceeded my expectations and given me a passion to move forward. Since coming here, I’ve discovered my passion and found out what I want to do in life as a career. I feel at home handling plants. I was born for this environment.

Hopefully I’ll find a job with what I’ve learnt – planting, pruning, maintaining pitches, that kind of thing or I’ll go on to do some more training at Level 2.”

James: “Before this course, I was sat inside 24/7, now it’s got me out and about!”

James has a hearing impairment and has been unemployed for over three years. He heard about the course through his local job centre:

“I got taught gardening by my mother, but things have changed in 30 years and I need my memory jogging! There’s lots of stuff I didn’t know about like the PH balance of soil and how to grow different plants. I’ve gained more knowledge compared to what I knew years ago.

This course has got me motivated. Before the course, I was sat inside the house 24/7. I’ve enjoyed getting out of the house the most and meeting different people. I like chatting with other learners and helping them if they’re struggling.

I’d like to learn about garden chemicals and health and safety next. I want to get a job that’s anything to do with gardening.”

Daniel: “I want to work in a garden centre because it’s full of wonderful things.”

25-year-old Daniel has autism and lives in assisted housing. His dad, John – who accompanies him on the course – wants to nurture Daniel’s love of gardening and help him achieve a qualification at the same time. The learning environment is really important to Daniel:

“I’m pleased I’ve done this course. I feel safe here. My favourite thing is planting, but I struggle with the prickly weeds!”

Due to the severity of Daniel’s autism, John – at first – had reservations about the course, but he needn’t have worried:

“Dan is very vulnerable – somebody needs to be with him all the time. At first we weren’t sure whether Daniel could do this course because we didn’t know how intense it would be, but after the first week, we thought it was brilliant and Rob’s been amazing. It’s boosted Dan’s confidence.

I know Dan is safe here because he’s calm and relaxed. He’s definitely comfortable here. He’s loved using the leaf blower and wants one for Christmas!

I didn’t know you could learn so much in 10 weeks. It’s incredible. I would recommend this course to anyone.”

Where do I sign up?

The next HortAbility course start is on hold ue to COVID-19.

To determine everyone’s learner style, each student undertakes a simple VAK test (visual, auditory or kinaesthetic) before the course to maximise their learning. Subject to the severity of the learning disability, additional support can be provided including the capture of oral answers instead of written ones.

HortAbility will run at The Old Coach House, 25 Bolton Road, Pendleton, Salford. M6 7HL.
To register your interest, please email bryony.smethurst@ymca.co.uk or call 0161 820 3835.

How our HIV Positive Health Programme is changing lives

How our HIV Positive Health Programme is changing lives

The Positive Health Programme, available to anyone living with HIV across London, was created to give participants the opportunity to engage in exercise to help them manage their physical and mental health long-term.

“Exercise is important for people living with HIV on many levels.  It helps to manage side effects from medication by promoting muscle mass, managing lipodystrophy, aiding better sleep and increasing appetite.  It can also help to manage other long term health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes and can have a large impact on improving mental health, mood and outlook.”

Victoria Brown, Positive Health Co-ordinator

HIV can not only affect someone’s health, but also their confidence and wellbeing. Positive Health is a 12-week programme which works on improving fitness, self-esteem and quality of life. When it comes to an end we offer subsidised access to our YMCA Club in London and continuous support so that exercise becomes a part of daily life.

The Programme provides participants with four supervised gym support sessions every week as well as opportunities to try exercise classes and swimming. Participants have exclusive access to a range of therapies including reflexology, holistic massage, Life Coaching, and energy healing. Our Nutritionist provides participants with nutritional advice and will look at ways in which individuals can optimise their nutritional intake in relation to their individual needs.

HIV is a condition that unfortunately still carries a lot of stigma and the Positive Health programme tries to combat the isolation often felt by those living with HIV by offering opportunities for social interaction. Social activities include a monthly tea and chat meeting, a talking support group with our Peer mentor and social events have included theatre trips, picnics, quiz nights, weekends away and bowling. The programme also offers a weekly arts class and other courses including drama, creative writing and mindfulness.

Virginia: “At the YMCA Club I never felt stigmatised.”

Swimmer in a colorful swimsuit resting at the edge of an indoor pool.

Virginia is a long-term HIV survivor, having been diagnosed 24 years ago, and has been a member of Central YMCA Club for over 17 years.  

“At the YMCA Club I never felt stigmatised, and I’m open with my condition. The Positive Health programme is pioneer and helps people living with HIV to overcome the fear of the stigma. The programme has helped me to revert some of the changes to my body-shape caused by the medication and meeting people from different backgrounds and histories enriches our lives. YMCA has also helped me to recover from breast cancer. I was very weak physically after all the treatment and I joined the older adults programme even though I was in my 40’s and I managed to recover all my strength through tailored exercises.”

Positive Strokes

Positive Strokes is a swimming club which was born in the Positive Health programme in 2015 and is now run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about this cause.​ The coaches offer swimming lessons for all levels of swimmers.

In 2015, a group of swimmers from Positive Strokes were the very first HIV+ swimmers to compete at the Euro Games in Stockholm and the team continues to compete in Masters swimming competitions in the UK and across the world. The team has not only achieved significant sporting success, but has also proved to be a powerful force in fighting stigma that exists around HIV.

An award-winning swimming club

In 2017 Positive Strokes was awarded the Swim England David Sparkes OBE Award for Innovation in recognition of the fantastic work that the team have done to provide a welcoming and supportive environment, increasing participation and making a huge difference to people’s lives.

Of winning the David Sparkes OBE Award, Positive Stokes instructor Simon Randerson said:

“To get this award is extraordinary, we are such a small team just trying to make things a little easier for people with HIV. To be recognised by Swim England really helps break down the stigma that still affects people living with HIV.

“Having the ruling body of swimming in England publicly say it’s ok for HIV positive people to be swimming puts a really strong message out there that there is absolutely no way that anyone is at risk from being with or swimming with people infected with HIV. Unfortunately even today there are people who incorrectly think that HIV can be contracted via saliva or even by close contact.

“Joining Positive Strokes changed my life!”, Marc Tonti, Volunteer Swimming Teacher

Watch this video to hear from Marc about being a volunteer on Positive Strokes or read the full story.

How to be referred onto the programme?

To be referred on to the programme you would need your GP, HIV consultant or clinic nurse to fill out our referral form, which gives us your medical history. Once the form has been received we will invite you in to the gym to show you the facilities, give you a fitness assessment and get you started on the 12 week programme.

For more information email PositiveHealth.club@ymca.co.uk.

How our Older Adults programme is making an impact

How our Older Adults programme is making an impact

This programme has helped more than 900 people over the age of 60 to get healthy, active and socialise together

We’re proud that our Older Adults programme offers people over the age of 60 the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health while combatting feelings of isolation or loneliness and maintaining independent living. During lockdown the programme has been a lifeline for many of our members, who have all eagerly returned. 

Two older adults lifting weights in a gym, one with a barbell behind the neck.

Peter: “The exercise classes are brilliant!”

The programme includes 19 functional movement classes which run on a weekly basis and are specifically designed to help increase flexibility, stability and bone density. Classes include Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, Flamenco Dance, Swimming, Acquacise, Strength & Conditioning and Cardio.

Peter, who has been coming to the YMCA Club for over 10 years says:

“It’s a fantastic place. I look forward to coming every single time. The exercise classes are brilliant. I just can’t praise it highly enough.”

Trish: “If you want to meet people and enjoy life, this is the one place you can do it.”

The social aspect of our programme is also very important for this age group so we offer 3 weekly social events, enabling members to catch up and broaden their friendship circles – as well as the option of regular subsidised day and weekend trips away.

Trish, who has been a member for 12 years says:

“The first time I came in I was a bit nervous but they were so welcoming. The staff, everybody. Any class I wanted, they give you all the advice and I would recommend it to anybody. They are the top, they are caring people, everyone is friendly, nobody is left out. I love all the classes and come 3 to 4 times a week. If you want to meet people and just go and enjoy life, this is the one place you can do it.”

Lynn: “It’s the most inclusive gym that I’ve ever experienced in my whole gym life.”

We are grateful to receive fantastic support from a number of volunteers, some of whom have been working with us for over 20 years. Lynn, trained to be a Personal Trainer with YMCAfit 15 years ago at the age of 65 and has been a volunteer ever since, teaching many classes such as Zumba, strength and conditioning and cardio:

“I thoroughly enjoy it and I’m overhwelmed by the amount of activities that there are here for the older adults. It’s the most inclusive gym I have ever experienced in my whole gym life. Come along and join or have a look and see whether you want to swim, have a cup of tea and a chat or if you want to get down into the gym and have some execise. You won’t be disappointed.”

Lynn S: “During the pandemic we had absolutely wonderful YouTube videos.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic people over the age of 60 were particularly effected, whether it be by the virus itself or by isolation. Throughout the lockdown, our Older Adults team was dedicated to bringing health and fitness to people’s homes through a number of exercise videos on YouTube. The team went above and beyond to get our members connected and make sure that they were coming onto our classes and made a series of phonecalls each week to check on those living alone. Our YouTube videos had a great impact and reached a wide audience, having been watched across 3 continents and with the most popular reaching over 67,000 views and comments such as :

“WONDERFUL!!! I’m in NYC, 75 years old, and loving this! Thank you!” and “Wow – I am morbidly obese and have now done this 5 days in a row!!”.

Lynn, one of our members who has been coming to the YMCA Club for over 30 years, watched our YouTube exercise videos said: 

“The YMCA is a refuge, but during the pandemic it was tricky. But we had absolutely wonderful YouTube videos and I Zumba’ed my way around my bedroom, down the stairs and up again and I don’t know what I would have done. Being able to tune into the YMCA was great fun and to see Declan was really encouraging and helped me keep going. I had a nasty accident and Declan was on the phone checking I was alright, which was great. It kept contact up the whole time and the minute we could come back we rushed.”

Person lifting dumbbells in a gym class with others exercising in the background.

“I think it’s really important, especially in the later stages in life, that people are still building new friendships and connecting.”

-Declan Duncan, Community Programmes Manager

YMCA Club now has over 900 members over the age of 60  with the Older Adults programme providing an ideal space to improve your wellbeing and forge meaningful friendships in the process.

Declan Duncan, Community Programmes Manager at YMCA Club, said: “Members often initially join to use the pool or the gym, but they are also able to meet new people and crucially learn new ways to improve their health and wellbeing. Since I started in this role ten years ago, it’s been gratifying to see new friendships being forged and members’ confidence improving through our social events.

“I think it’s really important, especially in the later stages in life, that people are still building new friendships and connecting. That’s why I’m so proud that this programme is able to bring together the mind, body and spirit which encompasses YMCA Club and the charity as a whole.” 

Our members can also broaden their cultural and intellectual horizons by taking part in weekends away (recent destinations include Hayling Island), or joining one of our free, informative history walks through the City of London.

Project Active – a partnership between Central YMCA and KCBNA

Project Active – a partnership between Central YMCA and KCBNA

Central YMCA has partnered with KCBNA, a local community organisation based in Kings Cross.

We are working with KCBNA’s Youth Services to provide access to facilities to deliver Project Active for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. Project Active helps young people aged 12 to 19, who are unmotivated and physically inactive to improve their fitness, mental health, wellbeing  and confidence in a safe and secure environment.

Remon, one of the participants said about his experience: “Project Active has allowed me to regain my fitness and better my physical health. It’s also impacted my mental health in a positive way because it gives me something to do and socialise with fellow gym buddies which was especially needed after spending a few difficult months in lockdown.”

The participants

The young people who use the youth service are primarily from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities and 80% fall into one or more of the following categories:  

parents are on welfare benefits
live in overcrowded households 
low educational attainment 
lack of confidence in future prospects  
at risk of getting involved in low level crime

Gym sessions at Central YMCA Club

Project Active participants have weekly access to Central YMCA Club and to gym sessions with trained fitness instructors such as Personal Trainer, Taz Ahmed and Central YMCA’s Children and Young People Manager, Muminur Jalil. The instructors work closely with the young people to encourage them to diversify their approach to physical activity and healthy living. Exercise sessions span a wide variety of activities including aerobics, weightlifting, skipping and long-distance running as well as mental wellbeing workshops. 

“The project engages young people who simply cannot afford to pay for a gym membership, giving them a positive healthy alternative to negative influences around them. We have seen notable change in young people’s confidence and attitudes towards their mental health and physical fitness.” – Muminur Jalil, Central YMCA

“As kids enter their teen years, they might lose interest in physical activity. Between school, homework, friends, and even part-time jobs, they’re juggling a lot of interests and responsibilities. Regular physical activity can help young people maintain a healthy weight and prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other medical problems later in lifeThis project helps young people feel more energetic, improve focus and attention, and promote a better outlook.” – Taz Ahmed, Project Active Personal Trainer (Tfitnesspt)

Healthy cooking workshops

The project also incorporates regular healthy cooking sessions, giving young people the opportunity to engage in food preparation whilst learning the nutritional value of food and the importance of a balanced diet for long-term physical health and mental wellbeing. For many of the participants, fast food and fizzy drinks were seen as a quick and cheap option, but feedback from the young people and their parents has shown that they are taking their knowledge home, becoming more health conscious and helping to prepare meals for the family.

The impact of Covid-19

Projects like this are essential for young people now more than ever as research has shown the Covid-19 pandemic has had a heavy impact in young people’s mental health and physical wellbeing and the effects of this will be felt for many months to come. 

How to join

Project Active meets at Central YMCA Club every Wednesday from 6-9pm. If you would like to join the group, email shofi.muhammod@kcbna.org.uk 

Find out more about KCBNA

Kickstart has made a significant difference to our business

Kickstart has made a significant difference to our business

Ken is growing his business and Holly is starting a new career

Antiques retailer Manningtree Emporium was hit hard by lockdown, but with the help of the Kickstart Scheme, the Emporium has managed to fund placements for two new employees to help launch a successful online operation and keep the business afloat in difficult times. 

With lockdown, income stopped overnight 

“The 2020 Covid-19 crisis and national lockdowns made it very clear that our company could not survive with its simple, single tier retail strategy as most of our income was coming from face-to-face sales. In March 2020, when the first lockdown started, our income stopped overnight so we made an immediate decision to invest in online selling, supported by a comprehensive social media and promotion campaign. 

We needed more manpower 

We soon realised that we did not have enough manpower to cope with the huge amount of extra work needed to create, launch and maintain a viable online selling strategy and with limited resources results were disappointing.” 

The Kickstart scheme was the answer to our problems 

In July 2020, the Government announced the Kickstart Scheme as a way to support young people and the wider economy through the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme funds the hiring of unemployed young people, aged between 16 and 24 into meaningful 6-month placements as well as covering setup and training costs for the new employees.  

“The extra people we have been able to employ using the Kickstart funding are making a significant difference to our business. We have employed Holly to handle all of our social media activity and online marketing content. This has already resulted in increased traffic and sales from our still basic e-commerce website and a large growth in the number of people who follow our company’s activities. A second young person, will be hired soon to handle our website listings and a new sales channel of Online Timed Auctions.

Central YMCA has given us invaluable guidance 

We must praise the help and support of the Central YMCA in guiding us through the application process and in providing ongoing support and employability training for our new employees. As a small company, their help has been invaluable. 

We hope to make these jobs permanent 

Our plan for the future of our two new members of staff is to develop their individual roles so that their jobs become self-funding and permanent. We sincerely feel that the six months of funding from the Kickstart scheme will provide enough time for us to achieve this as both positions will generate revenue over and above our regular sales income. We are already working on plans for new sales channels where we would hope to employ further young people through the Kickstart scheme.”  

Supporting youth employment 

Holly Leach, 19, is Manningtree Emporium’s first Kickstart employee and she was also hit hard by the pandemic. Young people are one of the groups hardest hit by the pandemic as jobs have dried up in some sectors. According to the Office of National Statistics, the unemployment rate among young people has reached 14.6%, far higher than the overall rate of 4.8%. 

“I worked at a cafe and was made redundant due to Coronavirus. I wasn’t able to afford my basic payments such as my car insurance, which was very frustrating and stressful. The Kickstart Scheme has massively helped me because the opportunity came up to work at Manningtree Emporium and now I am able to work doing something I love!   

Videography & photography are my passion and here I get to photograph items and I have also created videos promoting the shop. I am really enjoying working with social media so this is a possible career option for me.” 

Could you offer a young person a funded 6-month placement in your business? 

Central YMCA are a Kickstart gateway organisation and so can offer you full support including taking care of all administration.

Central YMCA partner with Nike to ‘power up’ the new-look FTA

Central YMCA partner with Nike to ‘power up’ the new-look FTA

Central YMCA has joined forces with Nike to re-launch the ‘YMCA Fitness Training Academy

Central YMCA has joined forces with Nike to re-launch the ‘YMCA Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike’, which is a free, two year Personal Training course and alternative to A-Levels or college. Together, they’re breaking barriers to empower and support even more 16 to 18 year olds into the fitness industry.

Two great brands, one common goal – to make the fitness industry as accessible as possible for young people. This sector still has barriers to entry, which prevent the next generation from fulfilling their potential and having successful careers.

Central YMCA and Nike want to create more sustainable employment opportunities in an industry which young people are passionate about. ‘YMCA Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike’ embodies Central YMCA’s mission to change lives through education and wellbeing and Nike’s vision of empowering young people through sport.

Three big barriers

Kerry Williams, Nike Training Brand Manager, explains why it’s so important for young people to overcome obstacles into the fitness industry:   

“There’s an entry cost. If you want to be a PT, you have to have money to be able to exercise, which means it’s not a very inclusive industry.

Secondly, we feel that the courses available are not robust enough to set young people up with a long term, successful career. There’s not enough practical input – we want to improve the level of education on offer.

Thirdly, there’s a massive lack of diversity. There’s also a huge drop off in sport participation for women – our research indicates that they feel that it’s just not for them.”

Ultimately, if Nike want to change the industry, we have to be part of the solution.”

Best of both worlds

Both brands bring a lot to the table. Since 1977, Central YMCA has delivered relevant training and qualifications to over 160,000 learners and Nike has over 25 years’ industry expertise, providing high-quality fitness footwear and apparel to improve performance. Rob Johnson, Central YMCA’s Director of Education and Training, says the partnership has mutual benefits:

“This partnership is really big. Central YMCA is providing education expertise while Nike has the ability to engage with young people in the right way, which gives us the opportunity to promote the FTA.

It’s a win, win. Nike is a very well known, loved brand, which particularly appeals to young people – that’s powerful.”

Nike could have partnered with other training providers, but Kerry says Central YMCA’s reputation and longevity shone through:

So what’s changed?

The course continues to include essential maths and English, practical work placements and strong pastoral support, but how will Nike add value?

Previously, the two year FTA course comprised of two main qualifications (Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer). Now, there are an additional seven new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) modules based on real industry experience, designed to equip learners with essential tools such as ‘Business Skills’, ‘Boxing Padwork’ and ‘Coaching Mindsets’.

Each CPD module is developed and delivered by an experienced Nike Trainer from a nationwide, diverse pool of talented and inspiring people. Each Trainer has been on their own journey and will be able to relate to learners in specific locations. 

Both tutors and learners will be provided with the “latest and greatest” Nike kit, such as T-shirts, shorts and tracksuits, with the aim of boosting confidence, creating a team environment and promoting comfort and safety whilst exercising.

Nike are offering free entry into various events such as Hackney Moves and the European Championships, plus learners can also take advantage of a range of exclusive Nike offers or ‘unlocks’ such as free fitness classes and other rewards.

There are currently 72 students studying at the FTA across London, Leeds, Manchester, Norwich and Ipswich. Over the next three years, the new partnership hopes to boost numbers to 250.

The power of belonging

Nike and Central YMCA both want to create a culture of inclusion through the new FTA and inspire future industry role models to live out those values. Rob Johnson explains:

Kerry Williams agrees:

“We want to add value. We don’t just want to add swooshes and brand everything! We want to create a family culture.

We want to instil a team spirit that gives everyone a purpose. With each YMCA centre, we want to recreate those local identities and connect them altogether under the FTA banner. We want everyone to buy into it and feel very privileged to be part of this course.”

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from – everyone is accepted”

18 – year – old FTA student, Goku Nsudoh-Parish from Kennington, loves the feeling of ‘oneness’ on the course:

“When I go out and wear my Nike / YMCA kit, it gives me a sense of pride to know that although I’m an individual, I’m actually part of a collective as well. Everyone has a different background, but we’re brought together.

It doesn’t matter where you’re from, everyone is accepted. Brands like YMCA and Nike value you for who you are and don’t judge you. I didn’t know much about the YMCA before, but now I love them. I really like what they’re doing for young people. They give us an opportunity to do so much with our lives.”

Person lifting weights in a gym with two trainers observing.
Person lifting weights at a gym, wearing a Nike tank top.

Aliesha Adia Brown – a fellow FTA student from Richmond, also feels excited about Nike’s involvement:

“It’s inspiring – partnering with Nike is quite cool. They have refreshed the course.

Nike support everyone, from young kids to grannies. They bring everyone from anywhere together. That’s what they do.

The Nike Trainers have got experience and come from different backgrounds. It makes me think that I can be like them or even better than them one day. I have the potential to do whatever I want to do.”

“Our graduates will have a head start over everyone else”

Central YMCA and Nike believe that ‘Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike’ is built for the next generation of Personal Trainers, unlike most Level 2 or Level 3 fitness programme currently available on the market. Kerry concludes:

“We hope to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. We’re empowering young people to contribute to both their community and the fitness industry. Our graduates will have a head start over everyone else. Having learnt from the best in the industry, they will be confident and leave with a great mindset, knowing what their purpose is.

Health and wellbeing is such a big thing. Sport and fitness can address many issues like mental health, lack of confidence or loneliness. The future is in the hands of the youth and creating future role models who can enable others, is the most important thing for us.”

Next Course – September 2022

We’re currently recruiting for our next YMCA Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike, which will run in London, Leeds, Lincoln, Manchester, Doncaster, Norwich and Ipswich.

If you’re aged 16 to 18 and want to kick-start your fitness career with a free two-year government-funded, Ofsted regulated course, you can find out more here.