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Fuel Sports Performance Training opened a youth multisport training and development center earlier this month at an industrial complex at 400 E. Earl Road. Business owner John Bylina said the new facility was a logical expansion to the 4-yearold business that also operates a field house in Romeoville. “Shorewood is a fantastic area for us,” he said.“It gives us great access to additional families in the area. It was too great to pass up.” The 36,000-square-foot facility features 17 batting tunnels, four pitching mounds and 75 yards of training turf. The building is a former factory and required a lot of work to transform it into a pristine sports facility, Bylina said. “There was a lot of clean up and cleanout, and there were only two working lights when we moved in,” he said. In addition to the training
THE BUGLE/SENTINEL NOVEMBER 6, 2013 spaces, the facility features a parents’ lounge designed to provide parents with a place to enjoy their time while waiting on their child. “It makes it a little more inviting for families,” he said. Bylina gives Fuel Sports’ trainers, which include former major league baseball player Sal Fasano and three-time NCAA softball champion Nancy Evans, credit for business’ success over the last few years. “They really give us an advantage over other facilities because they’ve played at the highest level,” he said, noting there are 15 instructors available for private lessons. While Fuel Sports has a niche with baseball and softball athletes, Bylina said the facility is not exclusive to those sports. “It’s about athletic development, not just sportspecific training,” he said. “There is no off-season for these athletes. They’re all multi-sport athletes.” Fuel Sports will work with children as young as 4, 5 or 6 through their high school years. “Our main goal is to get kids
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PHOTO by Clare Walters | for the sentinel
Fuel’s Training and Recruiting Center opened in October in a former industrial space at 400 E. Earl Road in Shorewood. The facility in Shorewood features 75 yards of training turf, 17 batting tunnels and four pitching mounds.
ready for high school,” Bylina said. “If they want to take their game to the next level, we will help them with recruiting, too.” Fuel Sports will host a grand opening at its Shorewood location on Nov. 9. The open house will feature free clinics and provide an opportunity for families to meet the coaches. For more information, visit www.fuelspt.com.