Ben Scurr

Founder and head coach

Meet Your COACH

Ben is a true Oxfordshire native, having been born and raised in Bladon – the final resting place of Winston Churchill. Living in close proximity to Blenheim Palace, he had ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the stunning surroundings of this park which became his adventure playground.

Ben's love for the great outdoors is inherent and has led him to create Project-Active Ltd in 2006, which has been encouraging locals and visitors alike for the past 25 years to explore the benefits of the outdoors for all-round health and fitness.

​The initiative promotes better health and well-being by enhancing their day or stay with various outdoor activities.

Ben is a fully-trained professional coach, fitness professional, sports coach and outdoor instructor in various disciplines from various recognised national governing bodies.

With Ben's professional skills and 25-plus years of coaching and passion for coaching, you can be sure you are in the best of hands.
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He has the knowledge, skills and experience to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

He'll help you develop a strategy that works for you. 
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"If you allow me, I will help you improve your quality of life!"

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What has SHAPED me? 

I grew up in the small rural West Oxfordshire village of Bladon, surrounded by nature.
My back garden extended into Blenheim Palace, and the vastness of Blenheim Park became my playground and my start of all things outdoors.

I spent countless hours exploring, climbing trees (and anything else I could get to), swimming in the rivers, running through fields, and constantly riding a bike or kicking a football.

This early connection with the outdoors and my always-on-the-go lifestyle laid the foundation for my lifelong passion for sports, fitness and the outdoors.

The joy I found in physical activity and sports was addictive and infectious.
This, coupled with a curiosity to push boundaries, led to my many mischievous outdoor adventures in places I should and shouldn't have been, but I loved it all.

I was naturally captivated by the potential of the human body, hence a natural path and career as a health, fitness, and sports coach;
This background solidified my belief that a healthy lifestyle, rooted in regular physical activity and a balanced diet, was the key to a happy life.

My early career was marked by a pursuit of knowledge. I wanted to learn more about professional coaching professionally and was endlessly searching for what interested me personally and what I could learn next.
I attended workshops, earned certifications, and sought learning from industry leaders.
I eagerly shared each new skill and information I acquired with clients.

I blended traditional fitness techniques and sports coaching practices with my passion for the great outdoors.

My career has naturally evolved over the last 25 years, leading me to pursue my interest in human behaviour and what makes people do what they do.

• Why do some people succeed, and why do some struggle?
• What are the barriers that are both perceived and actual?
• How do people react to various styles of coaching?
• Why do people self-sabotage the quest to be healthier or fitter?

I have studied psychology, behaviour change, and NLP education to communicate effectively, empathise, inspire, encourage, and support clients on their journeys. My studies are an ongoing process that I thoroughly enjoy, and I still strive to know more.

My clients began to see me not only as a personal trainer but also as someone whose development was edging towards the life coaching attributes, someone who could guide them towards holistic well-being. My empathy and understanding created a safe space for clients to share their struggles and triumphs.

My clients have achieved remarkable physical feats, overcome many personal challenges, and been on genuinely incredible and inspiring adventures with me, but all developing a love for the outdoors and the will and consistency to live their best lives purposefully.

I am one of the lucky ones who has managed to turn my passions in to a job.

Long may that be the case. ​

Professional BACKGROUND

Ben has worked in various roles in professional sports teams such as - 

• Derby County Football Club
• Williams Formula One
• Scuderia Alpha Tauri Formula One
• Lotus Renault Formula One (then called)
• Oxfordshire FA

He has also worked in the Physical Education for - 

• St Edwards School, Oxford
• Cokethorpe School, Witney
• The Marlborough School, Woodstock

He was also worked in the leadership & management teams of - 

• Esporta Health & Racquets Club, Oxford
• Bicester Golf & Country Club
• Lead GP Exercise Referral specialist for Cherwell District Council   

In prestigious UK venues such as - 

• Twickenham Stadium, London
• Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Aviva Stadium, Dublin
• Celtic Manor, Newport
• Blenheim Palace, Oxford
• Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
• University College, Cork
• Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, London 

Ben has also been lucky enough to apply his coaching skills and operational knowledge in various facilities in - 

• Ireland
• Northern Ireland 
• Scotland
• Wales 
• France
• Norway
• Turkey
• India
• Oman 
• Morocco

Ben's sporting profile 

• 25 years of playing seasonal 'Saturday' football / including club management (Hellenic, Oxford Senior League).
• Still trying my best at 'Veterans' fottball
• 25 years of regular Squash matches.
• 6x Great North Run events.
• 3x National Three Peaks events.
• 21x Yorkshire Three Peaks.
• 3x Fan Dance endurance events.
• Numerous mountain bike events. – inc Coast 2 Coast, Ard Rock,  100km Ridgeway, Evans Ride it's, Channel Events 'The Triple' & much more.
• Numerous endurance hikes ie Hadrian's Wall, Dragons Back.  
• Numerous 10km events. – inc 6x Oxford Town & Gown, Blenheim 10k, & more.
• Numerous obstacle races – Tough Guy, Monster Race, Trident events & much more.

Health, Fitness, Sports  & Coaching Qualifications​​​

• NLP Master Practitioner (Oxford School of NLP)
• Behaviour Change Coach (IOFBC)
• Premier Training & Development Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Therapy   (Modules include - Personal Training & Fitness Instruction, Fitness Assessment & Health Appraisal, Exercise Management & Consultation Skills for Special Populations, Optimum Sports Nutrition, Body Massage & Sports Massage Therapy).
• Premier Training & Development 'Masters' Diploma in Personal Training
• The Wright Foundation 'Diploma in Exercise Referral'. 
• SHOKK 'Fitness for Teens' Qualification.
• SAQ 'Preliminary Award in Speed, Agility & Quickness.
• Tomahawk 'Indoor Cycling Instructor Training'. 
• Boxercise 'Registered Instructor'.
• Premier Training 'Group Circuit Training'.
• Football Association 'Coaching Certificate (UEFA Part B)/ Club Coach Level 2'.
• Football Association 'Referee' Training.
• Archery GB - 'Session Coach'.
• British Cycling 'Mountain Bike Leader - Level 2'.
• British Canoeing 'Core Coach' Training. 
• British Canoeing 'Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course'
• Amateur Swimming Association 'Assistant Swimming Teacher'.
• British Athletics 'Foundation Pacesetter Activity Leaders Award'.
• Football Association – 'Safeguarding Children'.
• UK Coaching –
  • 'How to coach disabled persons'.
  • 'Equity in your coaching'. 
  • 'Good Practice and Child Protection'.
• Educare 'Child Protection in Sport & Active Leisure'. 
• PADI 'Open Water Diver'.
• Various other industry seminars/ workshops

Other Professional  Qualifications​

• NUCO Training – 'First Aid Instructor/ Assessor'.
• Outdoor First Aid (2 Day). 
• DBS 'Enhanced Disclosure' - Certificate Number 001922997312
• Oxford City Council 'School Minibus Driver' Training.  

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About PROJECT ACTIVE

The concept for Project Active was launched in 2006 by Ben Scurr. ​He believes that good health, fitness and wellbeing should be attainable for everyone. That's why the Project Active team brings everything you need to achieve your health, fitness, and wellbeing goals to you, your home, your community, or your work. Whatever your starting point, we work with you to meet your goals, and we guarantee that you will have fun along the way.
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​What's more, in choosing Project Active, YOU  become part of our Tribe. You can expect to be invited to participate in a calendar of social events and activities, such as the Three Peaks Challenge, our post-Christmas Detox Special, or a get-together for a fun bike ride in the Oxfordshire countryside or a paddleboard down the river Thames & much more.

​By visiting our website, you have taken the first step towards positively transforming your life. Project Active shares a passion for health, fitness and wellbeing and will take care of you every step of the way. Our approach isn't a 'one size fits all', and our assembled expertise means that whatever you need, you can be sure we can bring it to you!