A new generation of gym opening in Rochdale

Posted by on 19 Mar 2024

R-Kix Performance Centre is opening its doors to the public in Rochdale town centre at the end of March.  But this is not just a gym, it is a sporting concept that connects community and sport under one roof.

R Kix has taken inspiration from the world-renowned UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, a provision which offers cutting edge and impactful sporting methodologies associated with proven results and sporting success.  R Kix will offer a comprehensive range of sport related facilities and services in one place, including classes, personal training sessions and functional fitness cross fit programmes, aimed at all fitness levels, ages and abilities.

The fitness suite is fitted with a state of the art functional fitness rig, supplied by Rochdale based specialist equipment manufacturer Exigo, along with three cricket batting lanes, two 7-aside and one 5-aside football pitches; pool; table tennis; and darts.  Holistic mental health support, sports coaching. Three physiotherapy beds will also be available.

The vision is to use the gym as a gateway to creating a true community hub and encourage individuals and groups who may not have traditionally had access to such a facility.  Sundays will be ‘community day’ when there will be free football events and access to the facilities aimed at the regions young people.  With a commitment to delivering first class services and cutting-edge methodologies, R-Kix aims to engage, empower and inspire sporting enthusiasts of all levels to achieve their full potential.

At the heart of the centre is a sports bar, this flexible space will be the chameleon of R-Kix.  This will be a space buzzing with activity, able to hold up to 250 people, there will be a packed events calendar from live music and bottomless brunches to Bongo’s bingo and comedy nights.  But its unique feature is that the space will be transformed into the ultimate Fan Zone in line with the global sporting events, no matter what the time zone, want to watch a boxing match Las Vegas time come along, the Grand Prix in Bahrain, no problem, come along, .  On a day to day basis, the sports bar will offer a menu that includes smash burgers and loaded fries to freshly prepared healthy meals including takeaway at affordable prices.

The man behind the concept is Rich Tracz, someone who is as passionate as he is inspirational.  As Founder and Owner of R-Kix Academy, Rich is not only Director and Head Coach of R-Kix LTD, specialists in youth football development in Manchester; but also Academy Coach at Manchester City Football Club.  Rich is a man with a passion for youth football and leads in preschool sport and football development, he is a man with a goal to help every child reach their football potential.  In the past 3 years Rich has placed 75, 9 to 16 year olds into professional football academies, and is on track to place and 25 in this year’s season.

“Providing opportunity to the town’s young people underlines everything we do, with a focus on schools outreach, engaging in inset days, school events and working with Alternative Provision students, we want to ensure opportunities are open to everybody, regardless of their background. Our goal is for R Kix to be more than just a sports centre—it’s a community hub where individuals can come together, pursue their passions, and have access to sporting professionals.” said Rich.

Rich isn’t doing this alone, he has a dynamic leadership team that is made up of lifelong friends, Brad Snape and Anthony Palombo, bringing with them a diverse skills and disciplines including corporate sales, military and hospitality backgrounds.  The team will also be supported by colleagues that represent Everton FC, Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC that will be at hand to support customers, give coaching tips and potentially spot the next generation of world class football, an opportunity that has been far removed from the young people of Rochdale in the past.

When open the team will be 40 strong across all elements of the business, and will offer apprenticeship opportunities working closely with Hopwood Hall College.

R-Kix is poised to make a lasting impact on the Rochdale community and beyond, with a commitment to community engagement and inclusivity, R-Kix aims to inspire, empower, and unite individuals through the power of sports and fitness.