Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 09, 2025
Former College Athlete Brings D1 Training to Clearwater Community
TLDR
- D1 Training's sports-science backed regimen gives athletes a competitive edge with professional-level coaching to enhance performance and achieve fitness goals.
- D1 Training's program uses five athletic tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core conditioning, and cool down, structured for all age groups.
- D1 Training enriches the Clearwater community by providing accessible athletic development that prepares youth for future success and promotes teamwork.
- Founded by an NFL player, D1 Training partners with stars like Chris Paul and Tim Tebow to offer unique group and one-on-one coaching.
Impact - Why it Matters
This expansion brings professional-grade athletic training to the Clearwater community, addressing a significant gap in sports preparation resources that local athlete Jeff Ritch personally experienced. For aspiring young athletes, this provides access to the same training methodology used by professional athletes like Chris Paul and Tim Tebow, potentially elevating their performance and college recruitment prospects. Adult fitness enthusiasts benefit from science-backed training programs developed by NFL veterans, while the community gains new business opportunities and job creation through franchising. The facility's age-specific programming ensures appropriate training for everyone from children to adults, promoting lifelong fitness habits and potentially raising the overall athletic competitiveness of the area.
Summary
D1 Training, a leading fitness enrichment concept founded by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, is expanding its national footprint with a new Clearwater location opening October 13 at 2265 Gulf to Bay Blvd. The facility employs a sports-science backed training regimen built around five core athletic tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Local franchisees Jeff and Lauren Ritch, both born-and-raised Floridians, are bringing the business to their home community, joining an impressive roster of existing franchisees that includes NBA star Chris Paul and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
Jeff Ritch, a former collegiate football player at University of Richmond and fourth-generation St. Petersburg financial advisor, brings personal athletic experience to the venture, while Lauren contributes pharmaceutical and customer service expertise. Jeff's background as a college athlete directly informs his passion for D1 Training's mission, having experienced the gap in preparation resources during his own athletic career. "There was nothing like this for me growing up, and if there was, I would have felt much more prepared for college football," Ritch noted, emphasizing his commitment to preparing local athletes for the next level while promoting teamwork and enjoyment.
The facility offers four distinct age-based programs: Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18), and D1 Adult, with additional options for group, semi-private, and one-on-one training with certified coaches. According to Chief Operating Officer Dan Murphy, the Ritches represent "ideal candidates" to bring the D1 Training experience to Clearwater, embodying the brand's core values and vision. With over 150 facilities already open nationwide and 100+ more in development, D1 Training continues its strategic expansion through franchising, seeking qualified business builders and former athletes who share their passion for fitness and community impact.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Former College Athlete Brings D1 Training to Clearwater Community
