Belfast Giants Announce Performance Partnership With Bannatyne Health Club
17th Aug 2026
The Belfast Giants are pleased to announce a new three-year partnership with Bannatyne Health Club, which will see the club utilise the Belfast-based venue’s premium fitness facilities as part of its off-ice training and strength and conditioning programme.
The agreement provides players and coaching staff with year-round access to one of Belfast’s leading health and fitness clubs, supporting the physical preparation, recovery, and overall wellbeing required to compete at the highest level of professional ice hockey.
Conveniently located close to the Giants’ home at The O2 Belfast, Bannatyne Health Club Belfast boasts an extensive range of state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, spacious free weights areas, dedicated functional training zones, and premium recovery amenities. The facility also features a 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and spa facilities, providing players with a comprehensive environment to train, recover, and prepare throughout the Motorpoint Elite League season.
Steve Thornton, Sports Director at The Odyssey Trust, said: “Having access to facilities of Bannatyne’s calibre is a significant asset for our players and coaching staff. We’re always looking for ways to create an environment where our players can be at their very best, and this partnership helps us achieve exactly that. We’re delighted to welcome Bannatyne Health Club Belfast to the Belfast Giants family and look forward to working together over the next three years.”
The news follows the appointment of Colin Shields MBE as the club’s new Performance Coach, whose role will be to oversee the team’s strength and conditioning programme, focusing on enhancing athletic performance, speed, strength, and endurance, reducing the risk of injury, and supporting players’ recovery. As one of the UK’s leading health club operators, Bannatyne is the ideal partner to support the Giants’ performance programme, having built a reputation for delivering exceptional fitness and wellness facilities for nearly 30 years.
Stephen Haughey, General Manager of Bannatyne Health Club Belfast, commented: “It’s a privilege to welcome the Belfast Giants to the health club. As one of the top ice hockey teams in the UK, we understand how important physical fitness and overall wellbeing are to their performance, and we look forward to supporting the players, on and off the ice.”
Duncan Bannatyne, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Bannatyne Group, added: “This is a brilliant partnership for our Belfast club, and one that will highlight the fantastic facilities the health club offers. Good luck to the Giants for the upcoming season.”
The Belfast Giants return to action in a home double-header of pre-season fixtures against the Herlev Eagles on Friday 28 and Sunday 30 August. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.
