Nathan Hands - Athlete Ambassador

Have you always been into sport?

Yes since I was old enough to recall I've always had a passion and love for a variety of sports, but in particular football.

If you're interested in starting your own fitness journey, Sundried's Activewear is suitable for people of all abilities. 

How did you first get into football?

I started as a 9 year old with a local team to me called Maypole Juniors and then it just progressed from there. I knew from the age of around 12 I wanted to pursue it as a career and I was progressing quickly.

What has been your favourite game to date and why?

I think my debut in Sweden in 2013 when I signed for a team called Myresjö. I was signed at the midway point of the season and the team were in second place pushing for promotion. I was thrown in to start as a number 10 away from home to a close rival in 3rd place. I scored the winning goal and received man of the match for my performance. Its been a moment that has stuck with me since. I enjoyed every minute of that game and it created a momentum for me to continue.

What is your proudest achievement?

I think getting that first professional football contract in Sweden. I had been through a lot, I travelled there alone with hardly any funds and literally went around contracting clubs and finding places to stay and asking for trials. I didn't have any help but managed to get 2 or 3 offers at once. It was a real proud moment for me and something I will always have.

How do you overcome setbacks?

I have a strong mentality and belief which I had to develop in the sports industry. I've suffered rejection for reasons that aren't ability related and that is hard to take. The best way for me to overcome setbacks is to work hard on any weaknesses I have and get prepared for the next challenge.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I could use up a lot of nervous energy with that in my younger days. 

Who inspires you?

Huge fan of Ronaldo and what he has achieved, and Gareth Bale. Similar playing style to me and left footed. But when I was younger it was mainly Steven Gerrard. He had this desire to carry the team and I think I have the same mentality. In other sports I admire hugely any cyclist in the Tour De France which is just a gruelling event, and I'm a huge Tyson Fury fan for his skills and mental strength to bounce back.

Why work with Sundried?

I saw Sundried quite recently and admire the business model and the fact that it's a UK company. I can sense the passion in delivering products for a variety of sports in a sustainable way. Having purchased items from Sundried I can tell a high level of expertise is placed into the making and design of the products which I feel some of the bigger brands have gone away from.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.