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Great start to 2012!!

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven’t blogged for a while on my website but I wanted to use this as an opportunity to bring you all up to date with whats been happening with world of personal training and performance at Potentia Performance Ltd.

The last 4 weeks has proved a really busy period for our trainers with an influx of clients which has also led to us taking on expert trainers Danny Murison and Luke Sumner-Wilson. This has taken our personal training team up to 9 now. We are looking for some female trainers though as Kate and Charlotte are getting heavily outnumbered. If you think you have what it takes to join our team at Potentia then please give me a bell or drop me an email to discuss further.

We are pleased to announce that Ross Knevett will be operating out of the performance centre very shortly too. Ross has been involved from the day we opened the centre, managing our treatment rooms and being involved in decisions made but after a long wait for equipment for his room we now have a delivery date. Once the room is kitted out he will be based here a couple of days a week with Matt Swan from his team also being based here for a day carrying out sports massage. They will join our therapy team of Jen Macaulay (Physio), Michelle Lock (Beauty Therapy), April Chunnoo (Reflexology and Massage Therapy) and Paula Ruane (Bio-Energetics).

As well as building the team at the performance centre we are also continually working to drive the business forward outside of the centre too.

We have teamed up with DNA Boot Camps to deliver 6 week outdoor exercise workshops with a ‘learn as you train’ approach which will enable participants to see the physical results while gaining the confidence and knowledge you’ll need to achieve your health and fitness goals, whatever they may be and where ever you want to train.

We are also planning some other exciting projects and I have actually just come out of a meeting with one of our specialist trainers Kate Mitchell this morning in which we were discussing one of these ideas in detail with the hope of moving it to the next stage very quickly. You will have to watch this space closely for more details though as I can’t reveal anything yet.

As well as everything being busy at Potentia I am spending as much time at home as possible with my wife Leanne, my 2 and a half year old son Charlie and our new addition to the family Freddie, who is now 12 weeks old and getting bigger by the day!! Charlie starts football club this Saturday so hopefully have a budding football talent in the family.

I will try harder to get regular blogs out to keep you up to date with everything as it develops but until the next time, happy training.

Dave

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Dave becomes director at Potentia Performance Ltd

Monday, March 19th, 2012

Hi everyone,

I am pleased to let everyone know that I am really enjoying the change that has taken place with my personal training business.

For those of you that are unaware of the changes in brief here is what has happened;

Potentia Performance Ltd reception

After the success of my personal training business I was looking at ways to expand and take my personal training business to the next level, so last year I joined forces with David Chandler to create Potentia Performance Ltd. Over 2011 we worked incredibly hard to create a personal training centre run by personal trainers, for personal trainers. Our mission is simple; Potentia performance Ltd is dedicated to helping individual clients and the community as a whole improve their levels of fitness, health and overall well being.

Rehab and Functional Area

I am pleased to announce that on Dec 24th we opened for trading and now boast a team of the highly qualified and extremely experienced personal trainers as well as a physiotherapist, a sports injury specialist, a massage therapist, a reflexology therapist, a bio-energetics practitioner and a beautician.

We are also currently launching our Potentia Vibeworkz brand which will be headed up by vibration specialist and movement coach Alan Pearson. We currently run vibration plate classes

Performance Area

at Potentia Performance Ltd and Topnotch Health Club, Colchester but watch this space for more vibration plate studios opening soon.

Cardio Area

As you can see we are working hard but really enjoying the experience and the journey. As we grow though, one thing we are continuing to maintain and that is keeping the client as the most important aspect. If something doesn’tbenefit our clients, then we don’t do it.

So why not pop in and see us at Potentia Performance, 892 The Crescent, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9YQ or visit us at www.potentiaperformance.co.uk.

You can also like our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Potentia-Performance-Ltd/156518141116732

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Potentia Performance is launched!

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

As a valued follower of DB Personal training I wanted you to be among the first to hear the exciting news.

Over the years I have been committed to delivering the highest quality of personal training to all of my clients. As part of this commitment I continue to study developing techniques, test new fitness products and challenge the latest science/thinking to ensure I am the best I can be for my clients.

As part of my continued development program I have looked to align myself with other professionals who can further enhance the services I offer.

I am, therefore, pleased – and really excited – to share the newsthat I have joined forces with fellow personal trainer David Chandler to form Potentia Performance Ltd.Potentia is an exciting new concept in personal training that will ensure you receive even more from your training sessions.

Over the coming weeks we’ll be sharing more news about Potentia, the additional services on offerand other exciting developments all aimed at exceeding your expectations.

Change can be scary for some. With that in mind, I wanted to take this opportunity to personally assure you that the formation of Potentia will only add to the training quality and commitment that I offer to my clients and fello proffesionals. If you have any questions, thoughts or comments I will, as always, be happy to answer or listen to anything you have to offer.

Thank you for continuing to support me on this exciting journey so far and I look forward to continuing it with you and Potentia Performance Ltd.

Watch this space for more developments or visit our new website www.potentiaperformance.co.uk

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COL U LADIES ACADEMY WIN THE GRAND SLAM!!!

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

Colchester Academy Complete Quadruple Quest – BCS National Cup Final Colchester 2 Arsenal 0

Colchester United’s Female Academy completed a remarkable and unprecedented clean sweep of major domestic college titles with success in the fourth leg of their grand slam, a 2-0 victory over Arsenal Ladies Oaklands College Academy in the British Colleges National Cup Final at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

The young U’s were under pressure for much of the first half as Arsenal moved the ball around stylishly but Colchester’s well organized and determined midfield and defensive units coped well and did not allow the Gunners any real looks at Helena Brodie’s goal. As Colchester continually frustrated Arsenal’s attacks they began to take better care of the ball themselves and started to look dangerous on the counter attack. Hannah Gowland and Hayley West both had good opportunities to open the scoring Gowland shooting just wide and West’s half volley at the far post flying over. Both were to make amends however before the break as first West’s determination allowed her to power past the Arsenal back line and goalkeeper to tap into an open net and then Gowland provided an exquisite left footed finish into the far corner after chasing down a Flo Gamby through ball.

Arsenal’s only real chance of the game came from a free kick that struck the post shortly before half time but Colchester preserved there two goal advantage into the interval.

Hannah Gowland

In the second half Arsenal again enjoyed possession in the first two thirds but could not break Colchester down, their incredible work rate denying Arsenal any time or space in dangerous areas. Again Colchester always threatened on the break, Sian Fagg striking the cross bar with a powerful header and the hard working Gowland, named player of the match, could have sealed the game after rounding Elizabeth Stanley in the Arsenal goal only to shoot into the side netting.

There was to be no comfortable run in for Colchester though as they lost commanding centre half Megan Jiggins to injury with ten minutes of regular time remaining and the referee then saw fit to play nine minutes of added time as Arsenal desperately sought a way back into the game. Colchester were in no mood to relinquish the advantage though and there were jubilant scenes when the final whistle eventually came as the U’s youngsters realized the final exclamation point on an incredible season had been achieved.

Captain Maegan Doyle lifted the cup which joins the BCS Elite League National Play-Off and East Division championships along with the English Schools FA National Cup in Colchester’s bulging trophy cabinet.

Academy Manager David Coyle reflected on the day and season commenting;

“I have never seen a side work as hard as our players did today. To limit an extremely talented side like Arsenal to one speculative shot on goal as well as playing some great football ourselves was exceptional. It was a performance that really summed up our season and the qualities the players have displayed all year. We don’t necessarily have the big name to attract internationals from around the country like our opposition today are able to, but our players have demonstrated what can be achieved with hard work, commitment and heart.”

Summing up the season’s achievements Coyle added;

“Essentially what we have done at the U-19 women’s level is the equivalent of winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup all in one season. It’s an incredible achievement to win four major trophies in one season, something that has never been done before and is unlikely to be repeated. It’s been a real team effort from the players, staff and supporters along with the support from Thurstable School and Colchester United Community Sports Trust and an amazing experience I am sure everyone involved will never forget”

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ACADEMY OPEN DAY & TRIAL ANNOUNCED!

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Colchester United’s nationally renowned Female Academy Programme will be holding an open day and trial for prospective 2011/12 season student athletes on Thursday 7th April 2011 at Thurstable School and Sports College in Tiptree, Essex.

Colchester United Ladies Academy

 

The all day event will involve presentations by the management and coaching staff, Thurstable faculty, an informal discussion with current Academy players, a tour of the school and facilities and a training session and trial match in the afternoon.

Currently top of the British Colleges National Elite League and with both a BCS National Cup Semi-Final and an English Schools FA Girls U-18 National Final upcoming the Colchester United Female Academy has established itself as arguably the premier female football academy programme in the country. Its growing reputation for developing elite level talent has this season seen two current players represent England at U-19 level and a graduate at England U-23s. Four former participants are currently on full time playing scholarships in the United States.

The programme offers full time education alongside an elite, professional level football lifestyle and benefits from:

Staff:
• Full time Director working towards UEFA A License
• Full time Manager/Head Coach working towards UEFA A License
• Full strength, conditioning and nutrition programme provided by Dave Bond of Potentia Performance Ltd
• Injury treatment and rehabilitation specialist
• Individual academic tutor support
• Supported by Colchester United Community Sports Trust, Colchester United Ladies FC, Thurstable School and the Football Foundation

Football Programme:

• Full fixture programme in British Colleges National Elite League, National Cup and English Schools FA National Cup
• Daily training sessions with UEFA qualified coaches
• Full strength, conditioning and nutrition programme
• Close link with Colchester United Ladies FC of the FA Women’s Premier League providing top level senior training and playing opportunities
• End of season international tournament, past trips have included Gothia Cup, Sweden – Winners 2008, Semi-Finalist 2009 and the Copa Catalunya, Spain – Winners 2010

Academic:

• Full range of academic courses available, A-levels, B-tec, GCSE and re-sits
• Opportunity to take FA Coaching Courses (Level 1 & 2)
• Individual tutor support
• Work experience places in the sports industry
• Homestay provision available for non-local students

Exit Routes:

• University – the vast majority of participants achieve the required qualifications to go on to further education
• Football scholarships to American Colleges
• Full time employment in the sports industry
• International honours
• FA Women’s Premier League

The Colchester United Female Academy is committed to developing and enhancing the lives of talented individuals both on and off the pitch and in the process continuing the tremendous success, accomplishments and tradition of the programme.

As such, any young female footballer between the ages of 16 to 18 with a good playing background, a strong desire to succeed both on the pitch and in the classroom and a willingness to meet the high standards required is invited to attend our open day on:

Thursday 7th April, 9:00am to 3:00pm
Thurstable School & Sports College
Tiptree, Colchester, Essex CO5 0EW

To express an interest and book your place at the open day please contact:

David Coyle,
Academy Manager
Tel: 07872542300
Email: dcoyle@cucst.org.uk
www.colchesterunitedladiesfc.com

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Mucky Races – Guts and Glory

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Sunday 21st November saw a number of us take the short trip to Bures just outside Colchester to take part in the Mucky Races, Guts and Glory event. There was the choice of a 5km or 13km course with the majority of time spent in Bures Pits.

Unfortunately I was only able to compete in the 5km event as the event didn’t start till 11am and I had football commitments with the Col U Ladies at 12.30 but neither the less it was a very challenging and very enjoyable event.

The 13km runners set off at 11am with the 5km runners starting 15mins behind. As soon as we started it was a short run on the grass before entering the pits and then it was plenty of water, slippery mud and bogs. Once we were through the pit we went on to an off road path (which was also incredibly slippery) before a short stint on the road. Just as you started to find your rhythm it was straight back into the pits with a number of very steep and very muddy slopes as well as some deeper water.

Just as the end line was coming into sight for us 5km runners we approached what just looked like another large puddle, until we went into it. The water came right up to chest height in some parts and was probably the coldest water I have ever been in!!

Once through the 3 water pits it was then a challenge to get your muscles working again to run up the final hill and therough the finish line. The 13km runners had another lap to go.

As disapointed as I was not to be able to do the 13km, I still really enjoyed this event and will be signing up for the Gauntlet on April 3rd at the pits.

I finished a respectable 17th out of 143 runners who took part in the 5km run with a time of 39minutes. Room for improvement but not displeased at all.

Pictures will follow shortly in the Gallery section of this website.

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Men’s Health – Survival of the Fittest

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

DNA at MH's Survival of the Fittest

Last Saturday (9th Oct) saw us head for Nottingham to take part in the Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest. This event takes place three times a year but only once in England. The other two events are in Cardiff and Edinburgh. The Nottingham stage though saw nearly 4,500 people attend to take on the 10km (suppose to be 10km but the event organisers don’t hide the fact its nearer 12km) course and all the obstacles along the way put on by Men’s Health and sponsored by Land Rover and Under Armour.

As we arrived and myself, David Coyleand David Chandler got out of the car to be met by very cold temperatures. Much colder than we remembered leaving back in Essex. It wasn’t long though before we had met up with the rest of the DNA Boot Camp crew led by Brett Bowen.

Once we were registered there was a quick chance to have a look around the different tents that were there and also see off the first few waves of competitors. Then it was back to the cars to put our timing chips on and get ourselves ready. All competitors were set off in waves of around 150 people leaving every 15mins. Your wave depending on when you registered. Brett and the majority of the DNA group left off in wave 6 with Coyley, Chandler, myself and one of my clients, Chris McNeill leaving in wave 7.

As we shot off from the start line the first obstacle we came across was a Hay Bail wall which once over saw us dash down the Embankment towards Trent Bridge and the Parkour zone. Once we had manovered through the obstacles here it was in to a fast flat section along the river which took us into the Army Assult Course which saw most of us emmurging covered in mud. This didn’t last long as we then ran round to the swim zone which saw us slide into quite literally, breath-taking water. Then in was on to the Men’s Health at Work zone quickly followed by the Urban Jungle section which saw the course take you over a skatepark. With most of us struggling to feel our legs by this point we were then faced with the steps in Nottingham Forests Riverside Stand.

Nearly there now, but not until we had gone over the Land Rover obstacle and finally the infamous 8ft Mens Health Wall of Fame before crossing the finish line.

From our small group Chandler crossed the line first followed 10secs later by Coyley then me 10sec behind them. All of us finishing in 1hour 13mins. Chris McNeill came in 5minutes behind us. We worked out from another competitor who wore a watch that we had got stuck in a bottle neck at the Men at Work zone for around 6 minutes so should have finished around the 1hour 7min time. Check out the pictures in the gallery.

A really enjoyable event which will see us return next year without fail. Now we need to get ready for the next event, put on by Mucky Races on the outskirts of Colchester. This is Guts and Glory on the 21st November and anyone interested should check out the link on the home page of this website.

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Keynsham Ladies FC 1 – 0 Colchester United Ladies FC

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Strong Performance Comes Up Short

Keynsham v Colchester United

Colchester United Ladies will be bitterly disappointed to have come away from league leaders Keynsham Town empty handed after putting in a determined effort following their long trek to Northwest Somerset.

An entertaining match-up befitting two sides in the top three produced chances at both ends, a number of controversial incidents and three bookings for each side as neither team gave an inch.

United continued their recent trend of fast starts and were inches from taking the lead as early as the 2nd minute when lone striker Helen Bass’ forceful run resulted in a shot flashing just wide of the home sides far post. Bass continued to cause problems with her spirited front running and soon after pushed the ball past Keynsham’s keeper only to be cynically tripped just outside the box by the home custodian who was perhaps fortunate to receive only a yellow card.

At the other end Keynsham were testing Colchester’s defences with good ball movement and running off the ball but the U’s back line were performing well denying any clear cut chances on Nikita Runnacles goal.

Colchester were then extremely aggrieved to be denied a penalty when Bass again got behind the Keynsham back line only to be hauled down from behind as she was about to shoot in an incident that if called correctly would surely have seen the Keynsham defender sent off. To add insult to injury Bass then received a yellow for appealing for the foul.

Flo Gamby then headed an Amy Nash cross inches over the crossbar for Colchester as both sides continued to battle hard to a 0-0 scoreline at the half.

The second period continued in the same vein with both sides committed in the challenge but the game did begin to open up and it was probably Keynsham who had the better cutting edge in the final third bringing out a string of fine stops from Runnacles.

Another controversial incident came in the 71st minute when a Keynsham defender clearly passed back to her keeper from no more than two yards away and when she picked the ball up it seemed obvious to all including the referees assistant who waved for the infringement that an indirect kick from no more than eight yards would follow but incredibly the referee ignored his linesman and the Colchester appeals.

The circumstances of the winning goal in the 78th minute showed it was just not to be United’s day, centre half Amelia Southgate had been off the field for treatment of a head injury before trying to get back on the field of play however the referee allowed Keynsham to win and deliver a corner kick before waving her back on and the resulting cross was duly dispatched form the far post area Southgate would have taken up.

Colchester threw plenty at their hosts in the final minutes but were unable to gain what would have been a deserved equalizer. Despite a number of lengthy stoppages and some time wasting tactics by the home side the officials saw fit to play barely three minutes of additional time as Colchester pressed.

After the game Colchester’s Director of Football Kevin Anderson commented,

“Hopefully it is a sign of where we are that we are so disappointed to have come away from the league leaders home ground empty handed as I felt we did more than enough today to at the very least get a point. It was an entertaining game, Keynsham are a strong side, they have a number of internationals from various countries which makes their style a bit different and unpredicatable and we struggled with this on occasions. Having said that we caused them as many problems as they did us and it was always going to be the side that got a break that was going to win it. Every single major decision went the way of the home side today and in such a close game that has undoubtedly made a difference, it’s a shame that the performance of the officials was so far below the quality of the play from both teams today”

Colchester: Runnacles, Shepherd, Parnell, Southgate (Fagg 86), Porter, Gamby (Heaslip 62), Larkin, Doyle, West (Gowland 76), Bass, Nash

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Colchester United Ladies FC 1 – 0 Gillingham

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Alex Shepard shows off the new kit

Big Three points In The Bag

Colchester United secured a valuable three points against league big spenders Gillingham, an own goal by Lauren Williams in the 6th minute proving enough to seal the win.

It was another fast start for the U’s when Helen Bass pressured Williams into the error, the unfortunate defender poking the ball past on loan Arsenal keeper Rebecca Spencer.

The remainder of the half proved to be a dour affair, neither side really creating a clear cut chance.

In the second half Colchester far from sitting on their lead began to take control and had a number of chances to seal the game, the hard working Bass shooting just wide, Emma Sherwood’s goalbound shot blocked by a Gillingham defender while Maegen Doyle and Hayley West fired balls across the visitors six yard box that required only a touch to finish.

With twenty minutes to go Colchester were denied a golden opportunity to put the game to bed when Emily Heaslip’s through ball found Sherwood in acres of space with only Spencer between her and the goal but incredibly the referee, who in fairness admitted his error, blew up for a late challenge on Heaslip despite the obvious need to apply the advantage rule.

Very little happened at the other end as Colchester’s well organized back four gave Gillingham’s strikers not a single chance on goal, the Gills only effort of note in the half a speculative 40 yard strike that was comfortably parried by Nikita Runnacles in the U’s goal.

The final whistle brought Colchester a well earned three points that lifts them to third place in the FA Women’s Premier League South.

Colchester: Runnacles, Southgate, Parnell, Davies, Porter, Heaslip, Gamby, Doyle (Nash 72), West (Shepherd 88), Sherwood (Guyon 79) Bass

Scorer: OG (Williams) 6

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Charlie’s Training Begins!!

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Charlie Bond wants to take after Dad

After a quieter few weeks due to the school holidays this week has quickly filled my diary. As well as continuing to train a lot of my regular clients I have a few new faces joined me for training this week which is really nice to see. With the summer holidays coming to an end everyone seems very focused and determined to get back on track which is great.

On Tuesday this week Charlie (my son) came into the gym whilst my wife, Leanne popped into town for an hour and it didn’t take him long to find the weights. We went up in the studio and he had a great time crawling about but was absolutly fasinated with the dumbells in the rack. Going to take after his dad!

We are now also two weeks into the football season with the Colchester United Ladies FC and the season hasn’t started great. After a really disappointing performance against West Ham which saw us lose 2-0 in the league this week didn’t get any better as we lost to Barnet 4-0 in the FA Cup group stages. The first half was just as poor as against West Ham but the only positive to take out of the game was the second half performance looked a lot more like the Col U squad we’re used to seeing. With Brighton away this Sunday in the league we are just hoping the performance is raised massivily and our campaign can really begin.

As well as being busy with work I am still having to put the miles in on either the road or treadmill in preparation for Survial of the Fittest which is only about 4 weeks away. Really enjoying the training though. Still finding time to complete my weights routine but adding in a second session he day for my fitness.

If anyone is interested in competing in any of the events we take part in can find links on the home page of this website to the relevant sites.

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