A new generation of gym opening in Rochdale

The Engine Room inside R-Kix Performance Centre

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.

Based at the former Mecca Bingo site on Smith Street, 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-a-side and one 5-a-side 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 able to hold up to 250 people, suitable for events like live music and bottomless brunches, Bongo’s bingo and comedy nights. The space will be transformed into the ultimate Fan Zone in line with global sporting events, no matter what the time zone. On a day to day basis, the sports bar will offer a menu that includes smash burgers and loaded fries as well as freshly prepared healthy meals including takeaway.

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 an 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 three years Rich has placed 75, nine to 16 year olds into professional football academies, and is on track to place 25 this 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," said Rich. "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."

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 able to support customers, give coaching tips and potentially spot the next generation of world class footballers.

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.