At the Athlete Factory, each coach brings a wealth of expertise either through a formal Strength and Conditioning degree, a CIMSPA accredited Personal Training certification or experience working with professional teams and individuals, setting a standard that is unparalleled in the UK.
Here, you are more than just a membership number; you are a valued member of a community dedicated to transforming the way people approach training. Leveraging insights from elite sports, we develop bespoke training systems grounded in proven methodologies, making world-class training both accessible and affordable for everyone.
Our Vision
Our vision is to share our knowledge with anyone who is serious about their health, fitness or sport through world class equipment, programming and coaching. We create inclusive and welcoming fitness facilities for the absolute gym beginner through to the professional athlete.
At The Athlete Factory, we extend the same philosophy we apply to professional teams and elite competitors to every one of our members.
This entails dedicated coaching, a positive attitude, unwavering support, and strategic programming tailored to deliver results, catering to a spectrum of goals from fitness enhancement to reaching pinnacle achievements in your chosen field. Members can receive a personalised training programme accessible via the AF app, a tool designed to foster connection, and facilitate the continuous monitoring and tracking of your training progress.
Our coaches are some of the best in the UK, with backgrounds in Strength and Conditioning, and real-world experience training professional teams and top-notch athletes.
But don't let that intimidate you — here, everyone is family. We're all about ditching the one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. Instead, we work closely with you to create training plans that suit your unique goals, making top-tier training accessible and budget-friendly for everyone.
Our goal is simple: to revolutionise your training experience. Drawing from our rich background in elite sports, we design personalised workout plans just for you, leveraging strategies that are tried and true. Best of all? Top-notch training that's both accessible and won't break the bank.
Paul Reed - Operations & Performance Development Director
Operations and Performance Development Director Paul Reed is a qualified nutrition specialist, personal trainer and sports performance coach with years of experience. Specialising in combat sports, Paul works with the best of the best and currently boasts UFC stars Paddy Pimblett, Jack Shore, Veronica Hardy and Molly McCann, to name a few, amongst his clientele. Paul is a driving force within AF and here is help with any questions you may have regarding your sports performance or nutrition.
Ryan Gibney - Lead Coach
Ryan has spent a lifetime developing professional and amateur athletes. He is exceptionally qualified and has worked with some of the worlds best organisation and S&C education providers. He is AF’s Head Coach and overseas all AF coaching and programming.
Sophie Morgan - Gym Manager & AF Coach
Meet Sophie, our AF Chester Gym Manager. Sophie is an experienced personal trainer with years of experience working in the fitness industry. Sophie is responsible for making sure the gym runs like clockwork and the day to day operations and she is on hand to help with any questions or enquiries you may have.
Merf McCloud - AF Coach
Merf has 18 years experience in the gym industry and is a valued member of the staff team. Merf takes our gym tours, inductions and leads AF classes. Merf also offers personal training sessions and works with clients of all ages, backgrounds and gym experiance levels.
Merf is also available for personal training. Contact us HERE to enquire!
Matt Macaulay - AF Youth Coach
Matt began his fitness journey at 17 years of age, fell in love with the process and spent a lot of time researching training methods and nutrition. Matt is full of energy and very approachable.
Matt has played for the GB American Football Squad, captained Chester Romans, and received several sporting awards, including 2 x defensive player of the year.
Matt leads our Youth AF programme for our members aged 12 - 17 years.
Matt is also available for personal training. Contact us HERE to enquire!
Ryan Gibney
Ryan brings to the table a substantial academic background with a BSc (Hons) in Strength and Conditioning. His sixteen-plus years of hands-on experience are not just a testimony to his expertise but a rich repository of knowledge, technique, and passion that he brings to every training session.
Certified with the prestigious Westside Barbell Certification—a beacon in elite powerlifting and a renowned name in the NFL and world-class sports circuits—Ryan stands tall as one of the most highly trained coaches globally. His credential portfolio is a gallery of elite certifications, showcasing training from revered institutions like UKSCA, NSCA, CPPS (under the guidance of Joe Defranco & Jim Smith), Bioforce (mentored by Joel Jameson), NASM, and Precision Nutrition, among others.
At The Athlete Factory, Ryan translates this expansive knowledge into results for his clients. He doesn’t just help you train; he partners with you to shatter personal bests session after session, turning your goals from distant dreams into achievable realities.
Are you highly motivated and committed to transcending your limits? Ryan is available for high-performance team sports consultancy, as well as exclusive one-to-one and small group personal training, tailored meticulously to cater to your sports-specific goals and aspirations. Come, be a part of this extraordinary journey to redefine what you can achieve!
Ash Murphy
At the heart of Ash's philosophy is a simple yet profound desire: helping individuals revolutionise their lives in the most genuine and achievable ways. Every client is unique to Ash, and there's nothing he enjoys more than witnessing someone embrace a journey where they smash their goals and bring about real sustainable changes.
Whether you’re looking to dive into tailored personal training sessions—be it solo or with a group of 2-3 mates—or explore the dynamic world of boxing as a refreshing fitness alternative or to amplify your boxing prowess, Ash is your go-to expert.
Credentials to Vouch For:
- Level 3 Certified Personal Trainer
- Accomplished Boxing Coach
Join Ash on this incredible journey, and let's embark on a path to a better, fitter, and more confident you!
Sophie Morgan
Leveraging a rich history of mentorship and elite competition, Sophie transitioned into a personal training career, bringing a huge amount of firsthand knowledge and an 8-year track record of industry experience. It’s more than training; it's about cultivating the champion in you, helping you move towards your goals with spirit and determination.
Team up with Sophie and embark on a fitness journey where your goals aren't just aspirations but milestones waiting to be achieved. Whether it's through 1:1 sessions, small group workouts, or team training, Sophie is here to ensure you not only meet but exceed the targets set from the outset.
Sophie's certifications:
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
- Accredited in Kettlebell & Circuit Training
- Sport Fitness Coach
Find her on Instagram 📷: @sophiemorgan_pt
Matt Bevan
Matt hold a Level 3 REPS Advanced Personal Training diploma and keeps his knowledge up to date by attending various workshops and certifications in Strength & conditioning, group training, nutrition and sports performance.Matt plays high level rugby in his free time when he isn’t running after his young son. Matt is available for 1 on 1 and Small Group training.
Matt Macaulay
With a background that includes playing for the GB American Football Squad and captaining the Chester Romans, Matt has not only cultivated a wealth of personal experience but has also garnered recognition, receiving awards such as the "Defensive Player of the Year" twice.
Matt's Qualifications:
- BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences, specialising in Physiology
- GPNI certification in Sports Nutrition
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
Whether you're a gym novice or experienced in fitness, Matt is here to offer knowledgeable guidance from years of practical experience and academic study to help you achieve your goals.
Merfyn McCloud
He himself enters events such as tough mudder and enjoys training people for such endurance events. He is passionate about helping clients reach their full potential whether they are a complete beginner to a professional athlete.
Merf will make sure you achieve your goals no matter what they are in sessions that are fun and challenging.
Merfyn is available for 1 on 1 training.
Merf's certifications:
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
- Level 3 S&C Coach
Marcus Haswell
Marcus' Qualifications:
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
- Level 1 British Olympic Lifting Coach, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Gymnastics Coach
Marcus is the force behind the well-received Sunday morning high-intensity circuits, blending expertise with a welcoming and lively spirit to help you get the most out of every session. Marcus is available for Personal Training and small group training sessions.
Abbie Hudson
Abbie is committed to helping you enhance your fitness, build strength, and foster a confident self through personalised guidance. Whatever your objectives — be it muscle building, strength enhancement, improved mobility, or fat reduction — Abbie has the expertise to facilitate your journey to achieving them.
Services Offered:
- One-on-one personal training sessions
- Small group personal training
- Customised training programs tailored to your goals
With Abbie, you are not just working towards your goals, but embarking on a transformative journey to the best version of yourself. Connect with her to take the first step towards a healthier, stronger, and more confident you. You can find Abbie on Instagram: @abxhud
Luke Lamont
Beyond individual fitness goals, Luke extends his expertise to both professional and recreational athletes, helping them gain a competitive edge in their respective sports by boosting their power and game-day performance.
You can learn more about Luke by visiting his website at www.progressive-performance.com to explore how you can start your transformative journey towards achieving your peak physical potential.
With Luke, you're not just training, you're advancing progressively towards a healthier, more athletic you, under guidance grounded in professionalism and a deep understanding of physical wellness.