Longford International College helps ‘Gers link-up with Athlete Focused

Berwick Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce a link-up with Athlete Focused, a highly respected performance company led by Dr Andy White, who will assist players across four pillars of performance: training, nutrition, psychology and physiotherapy.

The two-year deal, which will provide further support to the management team and players, will come at a minimal cost to the Football Club as Dr White has accepted the offer of the second MBA that was kindly provided to the club by Longford International College.

The first MBA, which is a prestigious postgraduate qualification that provides an overview of key business practices and is highly valued by top employers, was accepted by new striker Lewis Allan and assisted in luring the former Hibernian FC striker to Shielfield Park.

With the benefits of the new PlayerData GPS technology already evident, Dr White will work with the management team to analyse how programmes can be developed to optimise player preparation for the season ahead. 

He arrives at the club with a wealth of experience in a footballing environment, currently working with the Scotland Women’s national team and Glasgow City FC, while he was also a member of Steve Clarke’s backroom team when the now Scotland manager excelled in his spell at Kilmarnock FC.

Speaking about the partnership, Director Dave Buglass said: “The club is privileged to welcome Dr Andy White and Athlete Focused to provide further support to the management team and players in their physical preparation for the season ahead. 

“Normally, we wouldn’t have the finances to bring in somebody of Andy’s expertise but, once again, the work of Associate Director Graeme Gurney in building this relationship with Longford International College to secure two MBAs has been vital.

“I’ve seen at first-hand what Andy can do in my time at Glasgow City FC and also the respect he has from the coaches and players, and I’m sure he will have the same impact here.”

Dr White added: “I’m delighted to be able to support Berwick Rangers over the next two years and, after speaking with Dave, I soon felt an affinity for the club and the vision that the Directors have.

“I was very impressed by the club’s unique way of attracting individuals to the club through education and, by accepting the MBA, I feel it will help further in providing support to the players and management team.

“Myself and the rest of the team at Athlete Focused are extremely happy to be helping this forward-thinking club and I’m very much looking forward to meeting everybody.”

What is an MBA?

Costing anywhere from £15,000 to £40,000 depending on the institution, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a prestigious postgraduate qualification that provides an overview of key business practices and is highly valued by top employers.

While MBAs are at the same level of education as other Masters courses, they are usually studied once the person has gained a few years of professional experience rather than carrying straight on from their undergraduate degree.

Successfully completing an MBA can lead to a better salary, improved professional reputation and a massively expanded network of business contacts.

Berwick Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Longford International College for their incredibly kind donation to the club.