About Us
The concept created by two brothers in Sydney, Australia. There was a gap in the market when Valentino’s brother-in-law wanted to upskill his kids and improve their performance for their chosen sports – but there as nothing out there.
At that time, both Valentino and Henry were running a successful bootcamp (Iron Up Fitness) from various locations around Sydney. So, they decided to upskills themselves and continue their studies in sports performance, speed/agility, and strength/conditioning. Both from a competitive sport background in their youth, they found their passion. Teaching and educating our youth athletes to get them to the next level.
From there – Iron Up Sports was born.
Valentino then relocated back to Auckland, New Zealand with his growing family. He held his first Iron Up Sports session in Nov 2016. Iron Up Sports is currently in various locations around Auckland and the Waikato Region.
Here’s the problem that we’re currently facing in today’s athletic landscape...
→ The ONLY training athletes are receiving is predominantly club & sports specific training — to be the best, you have to do more than the rest. Put simply, club training should be the starting point to be the best athlete.
→ Athletes only receive approximately an hour, twice a week to cram in skill work, go through detailed game plans and maybe, if time allows, some conditioning work.
→ Energy systems of each athlete isn’t being maximised: for many, all that’s being trained is basic aerobic training and not much else to give athletes the competitive advantage.
→ Accessory and extra work are being provided to athletes, but there’s no accountability or even worse, they’re being done in an incorrect manner resulting in injuries that could take months to recover.
THIS IS WHY OUR PROGRAM WAS CREATED...
Our goal for the programme is to develop junior athletes and show them what they’re truly capable of, physically AND mentally. We want our athletes training at the elite level which will dramatically increase their chances of dominating their sport.
The Programme was created after it became clear to us that...
→ Too many kids enter the season out of shape, discouraged and lacked preparation, not ready for the season.
→ This results to them sitting on the sidelines warming up the bench instead of being on the ground. They are fatiguing too quickly and potentially letting the team down.
→ These athletes feel that they are “never good enough” and keep getting told that “they can do better” but they just do not know how...
For the last 8 years, we’ve personally trained HUNDREDS of junior athletes, helped them rank up, and dominate their sport.
We take a revolutionary approach to teaching, learning and implementing what’s required IN and OUT of the sport. We believe that the athletes need to be ready with our core pillars:
TRAINING, NUTRITION FOR PERFORMANCE, RECOVERY AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS.
Kids sponge everything and being around like minded children all on the same journey. The coaches are awesome. My kids have had a break but always ask mum is this the week we go back? It made a huge impact on there life about coming out of there shell as well as the obvious, athletics . Love interacting more with others. Confidence is up there as well. Look forward to bringing kids back. Highly recommend Iron up sports.
Mah Ratumu
Iron up sports has changed and challenged our son and daughter in the best possible ways. Valentino has helped our son become more technically minded, and has inspired him to dig deep, set and beat personal goals. Our previously introvert daughter has benefitted in her confidence as well as her physical and mental development. She now wants to take part in sports she originally shied away from. We have noticed not only sporting progress beyond our expectations but also their education benefitting (Both kids got principle awards last term). Valentino and Mike are fantastic role models and inspire the best out of the attending athletes - Offering every age, skill level and ability, time and knowledge to better young athletes lives.
Tusai Bayley
My daughter has gained so much from iron up. Not only a significant improvement in her speed and fitness level but also in her self confidence. She loves the challenging environment which makes her test her self belief/endurance and the opportunity to push herself to the limits.
Michelle Kim-Davies
I was looking for an elite fitness program to keep my 9 year old fit out of his sports season, we were absolutely thrilled with the results, not only with his physical changes but mentally stronger as well which we all know is just as important. We will be back 100%
Maria Bain
Tino and his teams encouragement, understanding and patience has given my son the skills and more importantly, the confidence to participate in sport within his school. His goal is to play (touch) rugby, and this programme has been an amazing foundation to help him achieve his goal.
Thanks so much Valentino and team, simply AMAZING!!!!
Nikita Nuku