ABOUT US
In 2013, following several years of practice as a qualified Sports Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, Performance Director and Founder Ben Carling made the decision to fully pursue his passion for working within the field of sport.
Ben became an accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach through the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA), the national governing body for the profession in the UK, and subsequently established Sports Performance Services Ltd.
Over the next decade, Ben balanced his growing business with his role at Isle of Man Sport. As demand for his services increased, he made the decision to transition fully into his own enterprise.
Today, Sports Performance Services Ltd is proudly recognised as a leading provider of athlete development on the Isle of Man.
Eleven years since our inception, we are proud to be nine years into operating from our purpose-built, 1,800 sq ft facility.
Prior to this, implementing the principles of Strength & Conditioning within a conventional commercial gym environment posed significant challenges, largely due to limitations in space and access to specialised equipment.
The solution was clear: to establish the island’s first dedicated Strength & Conditioning facility focused on athlete development.
Since opening our doors in 2015, our facility has continued to grow, evolving year on year to meet the needs of our athletes and community.
OUR AMBITION // 03
We set out with a clear vision: to elevate the way athletes train. Our goal has always been to deliver a service that goes beyond expectations—supporting athletes through high-quality education, dedicated training environments, and expertly designed programmes.
That vision has never wavered. We remain proactive and forward-thinking, continually seeking new ways to enhance our service, develop our expertise, and make a lasting, positive impact on everyone who trains with us.
OUR AMBITION is to expand our work with individual athletes, team athletes, and sporting organisations. We are committed to helping you maximise your athletic potential and achieve success.
OUR MISSION is to be recognised as a leading provider of Strength & Conditioning services—trusted by athletes, coaches, and parents alike.
OUR PHILOSOPHY // 05
At Sports Performance Services Ltd, we adopt an athlete-centred approach built on two core pillars: Athlete Needs Analysis and Sport Needs Analysis.
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive support system tailored to the individual—addressing both personal development and the specific demands of their sport.
We are committed to inspiring athletes to reach their full potential by delivering a positive, engaging experience grounded in evidence-based practices and sound principles.
Our environment encourages learning, growth, enjoyment, and self-expression throughout each athlete's performance journey.
OUR FOUNDER // 04
A client—who has since become a friend—once said to Ben:
"You're unemployable, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible."
Ben began his professional journey in the finance sector. While a career in football wasn't a viable path, and traditional education systems never quite suited his way of thinking, he quickly established himself as a proactive, independent thinker. Structured systems, rules, and regulations—though important—often felt limiting to Ben’s naturally inquisitive and improvement-driven mindset.
Keen to broaden his knowledge and follow his passion, Ben studied Business Management through the Open University while working full time. He simultaneously pursued qualifications in Sports Nutrition, Personal Training, and eventually earned his Accreditation in Strength & Conditioning. These experiences led to a bold yet calculated decision: to launch his own performance facility. Confident in his vision, he took the leap—and hasn’t looked back since.
Ben has continued to invest in his professional development, completing a Diploma in Football Medicine (FIFA), and specialised training in Isometric Conditioning (Alex Natera), Maximal Speed Development (HIIT Science), and ACL Injury Management (PhysioTutors), PFSA Level 1 in Opposition Analysis, Data Analysis and Talent ID.
With over 20,000 coaching hours to his name—including testing, rehabilitation, and both group and individual S&C sessions—Ben remains highly active in the day-to-day delivery of his business. He commits to ongoing education annually to maintain his S&C accreditation and is currently working towards Chartered status.
In addition to being the Founder and Director of SPS Ltd, Ben serves as the Head of Physical Performance for Isle of Man Netball and is the current Chairman of Isle of Man Boxing.
Outside of work, Ben is a dedicated family man. He lives with his fiancée, Shannon, their two children, Darcie and Cassian, and their German Shepherd, Beau.