Brighton and Hove Albion FC has teamed up with a fitness academy to provide players with additional education and career options.

The club has partnered with Pro-Fitness Academy, one of the country's leading providers of health and fitness qualifications, to offer players contingency career plans should their footballing ambitions not materialise.

The club chose Pro-Fitness Academy to deliver additional learning opportunities, such as personal training diplomas, as both parties recognise the importance of safeguarding the physical and mental health of players.

This collaboration ensures players leave the game with positive experiences and prosperous opportunities.

With only four per cent of academy players turning professional, and an increasing awareness of the physical and psychological challenges faced when leaving the sport, clubs now have a duty of care to support players on and off the pitch.

Brighton and Hove Albion are committed to leading the way in this regard.

Pro-Fitness Academy founder Andy Smith, who was born in Lewes, launched the company in 2018 after spending six years in the academy system at Crystal Palace.

Having left the game, he understands first-hand the impact it has on players' physical and mental health.

Mr Smith said: "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."

The courses offered by Pro-Fitness Academy are directly associated with the pre-existing fitness and training skills developed as footballers, offering qualifications that provide direct employment potential suited specifically to their skills as athletes.

Brighton and Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber said: "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."

Under-21 player Baily Smith is one of the players taking advantage of this opportunity.

He said: "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."

This initiative by Brighton and Hove Albion and Pro-Fitness Academy is a step towards ensuring players have a secure future, whether in football or beyond.