'Dream come true' as Northern fitness competition launches at Saints stadium

Ste Cooper, from Rainhill, co-founded 'Northern' during lockdown in 2020, manufacturing premium fitness equipment for home gym enthusiasts and elite athletes.

The business started after a rocky road for Ste, following the death of his mum and the closure of his Rainhill-based fitness studio due to the pandemic.

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The first major Northern Games took place at the Totally Wicked Stadium last month (Pic: Westen Films)

However, foreseeing the trend in home fitness, 'Northern' has gone from strength to strength and quickly expanded to support CrossFit athletes and fitness competitions across the UK.

The local business also became a sponsor of St Helens Rugby League, supplying Ste's hometown club with thousands of pounds worth of gym equipment.

Due to this blossoming partnership, the team at Northern were able to hold their first major fitness competition at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday, July 30.

Almost 80 athletes took part in the games (Pic: Westen Films)

Building on two smaller events at local gyms, 'Northern Games' attracted almost 80 people from St Helens and the wider North West, as well as some athletes from different corners throughout the UK.

Competing individually or in pairs, each athlete took part in a high-intensity workout to test their strength, stamina, speed, and power - designed by local CrossFit athletes Lee Guy and Andy Kelly.

Three competitors at Northern Games (Pic: Westen Films)

After witnessing the first major Northern Games come together, Ste said: "It was a really proud moment to bring my love and work within the rugby league world with the athletes in the fitness world.

"Holding the games at Saints' stadium gave it that extra bit of gravitas and it was great to see the players come and watch after they had finished training.

"There were some really strong athletes on show at the competition, and there is nothing better than seeing your own equipment being used by athletes at your own event in such a venue.

"It's a dream come true."

The workout was created by local CrossFit athletes (Pic: Westen Films)

Following the success of the event, Ste hopes to continue growing the business and hold more fitness events of this caliber, while also strengthening the relationship with Saints.

With a desire to open the games up to everyone in the community, he added: "The success of the Saints event is very much down to everyone who has worked so hard to make the business what it is.

"Now there is more opportunity to grow, develop partnerships with similar organisations and go bigger and better."

Elite athletes on the Northern podium! (Pic: Westen Films)