Former College Football Player Brings D1 Training to Clearwater Community

Jeff Ritch, a former collegiate football player at University of Richmond, is opening a D1 Training facility in Clearwater at 2265 Gulf to Bay Boulevard on October 13, bringing elite athletic-based fitness training to the local community. The facility employs a sports-science backed training regimen led by certified trainers to help people of all ages achieve their sport and fitness goals. Ritch, who played college football, understands firsthand the importance of proper athletic preparation and aims to provide local athletes with the training he lacked growing up in St. Petersburg.

D1 Training utilizes five core tenets of athletic-based training: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. The facility offers four age-based programs including Rookie for ages 7-11, Developmental for ages 12-14, Prep for ages 15-18, and D1 Adult training. Beyond group workouts, the facility provides group, semi-private, and one-on-one training with world-class coaches. The comprehensive approach aims to train athletes dedicated to their sport or fitness goals regardless of age or athletic background.

Jeff and his wife Lauren, both Florida natives, bring their combined financial and customer service expertise to the business. Jeff's experience as a collegiate athlete gives him unique insight into what it takes to succeed at higher levels of competition. He emphasized that having access to such training during his youth would have better prepared him for college football. The couple joins an impressive roster of D1 franchisees that includes former professional and collegiate athletes, with additional partners including NBA star Chris Paul and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Dan Murphy, the brand's Chief Operating Officer, expressed confidence in the Ritch's ability to bring the D1 Training experience to Clearwater. He noted that Jeff and Lauren embody the core values needed to bring the D1 Training vision to life in the community. The facility represents part of D1 Training's strategic national expansion through franchising, with more than 150 facilities currently open and over 100 additional locations in various stages of development. For more information about the Clearwater location, visit https://www.d1training.com/facility/clearwater.

The opening addresses a significant gap in professional athletic training resources for local athletes, particularly youth seeking to advance to collegiate levels. By providing access to the same training methodologies used by elite athletes, the facility democratizes high-level athletic development for the broader community. This expansion reflects growing demand for specialized athletic training that combines sports science with practical application, serving both competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking structured, results-oriented workout programs.