Pro-Fitness academy is one of the country’s leading providers in health and fitness qualifications. They have partnered with Brighton and Hove Albion FC to offer players additional education and contingency career plans should their footballing ambitions fall through.
The Premier league club chose Pro-Fitness Academy to deliver additional learning opportunities, such as Personal Training diplomas, as both parties have a clear understanding of the importance of protecting the physical and mental health of players ensuring they leave the game with positive experiences and prosperous opportunities.
With only 4% of Academy players turning professional and growing awareness of the physical and psychological challenges inherited leaving the sport, clubs now have a duty of care to support players on and off the pitch and Brighton and Hove Albion are dedicated to leading the way on this.
Academy Founder Andy Smith, born in Lewes launched the company in 2018 having previously spent 6 years in the academy system at Crystal Palace, after leaving the game he understands first-hand the impact that it has on players physical and mental health.
Pro-Fitness Academy have teamed up with the Premier league club to deliver additional learning opportunities such as Personal Training diplomas. Courses directly associated to the preexisting fitness and training skills developed as footballers, qualifications that offer direct employment potential suited specifically to their skills as athletes.
Prior to starting the academy Andy worked as a recruiter of Personal Trainers for an internationally renowned gym so he recognised an absolute need for raising applicant standards. As a graduate, teacher and assessor he is an expert in the fitness industry, with huge experience as a top Personal Trainer, strength and conditioning coach, fitness model and athlete.
Quality Personal Trainers do far more than provide fitness exercises, they inspire, motivate, listen, guide and support their clients to reach goals that can truly transform lives.
Brighton & Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber: “It is vitally important to support our players on and off the pitch wherever we can and particularly to provide additional education opportunities to benefit players as they transition into life after football. Education in Personal Training is a logical step for many players given their athletic and performance driven backgrounds”
Pro-Fitness Academy Founder and ex academy player himself Andy Smith says: “too many players are leaving the game with a lack of purpose, identity and direction, it is our vision to partner with forward thinking clubs like Brighton and Hove Albion that are proactive in helping their players discover a life outside or after football’
BHA u21 player Baily Smith says
“I wanted to do this course to add to the qualifications that Brighton have supported me with. I know football is a short-lived career and this is something I am passionate about and could see myself doing. So far, I am really enjoying the course and look forward to learning more!”
