Pender County is full of young athletes. From Burgaw to Hampstead, from Surf City to Rocky Point, kids across the county play football, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, track, and everything in between. But when it comes to structured athletic training — the kind that builds speed, strength, and agility under expert coaching — Pender County families have had almost nowhere to turn.
County rec programs are great for participation, but they don't offer performance training. Personal trainers are expensive and inconsistent. And driving to Wilmington multiple times a week isn't realistic for most families. D1 Training is here to fill that gap.
The Pender County Sports Landscape
Pender County schools field competitive athletic programs across the board. Topsail High School, Pender High School, and Dixon High School all compete in the NCHSAA with athletes who have the talent to play at the next level. Heide Trask Early College, Cape Fear Academy, and other smaller schools contribute to the pipeline.
Below the high school level, Pender County Parks & Recreation runs youth football, soccer, basketball, and baseball leagues that keep thousands of kids active. Travel teams and club programs pull from across the county.
What's Been Missing
What Pender County hasn't had is a dedicated youth sports performance facility — a place where athletes train speed, agility, strength, and conditioning with certified coaches following a proven, periodized program. That's the missing piece between rec league participation and varsity-level competition.
D1 Training's methodology has produced over 90 NFL Draft picks. It's not random workouts or bootcamp-style classes. It's structured, progressive, age-appropriate programming designed by a national team of strength and conditioning experts.
Programs Built for Youth Development
D1 runs three youth programs: Scholastic (ages 7-11) focuses on movement fundamentals, coordination, and building a love for fitness. Rookie (ages 12-14) introduces structured strength training and speed development. Prep (ages 14-18) delivers advanced, college-level strength and conditioning for high school athletes with serious competitive goals.
Every program is coach-led, team-based, and designed to build character alongside athleticism. The environment is structured but fun — kids look forward to showing up.
Finally, Elite Training Close to Home
D1 Training is opening Summer 2026 in the Hampstead-Wilmington corridor — right in the heart of Pender County's growth zone. Families in Hampstead, Scotts Hill, Surf City, Topsail, Holly Ridge, Burgaw, and Rocky Point will have access to the same caliber of training that athletes in major metro areas have had for years.
Founding memberships are available now with exclusive rates locked in for life. Don't wait until opening day — visit d1-wilmington.com/join to secure your spot.