Albion hosts annual partner day at American Express Elite Football Performance Centre

Commercial partners were given exclusive access to the club's training facilities where high performance is built every day.

2026-09-10T13:00+01:00

Mike Anthony and Luka Vusković share insights during an interactive Q&A 📸by Paul Hazelwood

Brighton & Hove Albion recently welcomed a number of commercial partners to the men’s team photocall, which included behind-the-scenes access to the club’s American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

This year, the annual event moved from its traditional location at the American Express Stadium to the club’s training facilities in Lancing, providing commercial partners with exclusive access to the environment where the club’s elite culture is cultivated and where high performance is built every day.

Guests were then invited to join an open and interactive Q&A session with head of player development & elite performance, Mike Anthony, and first team defender Luka Vusković.

Gavin Graimes, Director at Oliver & Graimes said, "Being invited to these events is important for us as a club partner. It offers a rare opportunity to learn how the club continues to compete at the highest level, while staying true to its identity and values.”

"The commercial team consistently goes that extra mile to make us feel part of the club’s journey. Being welcomed into the training ground gave us a brand new perspective on the culture being built there and the standards that underpin performance across the club."

Mike Anthony provided a fascinating insight into his transition to football after two decades with the All Blacks, and explained how cross-sport leadership principles are helping to shape a collective, elite performance culture across the club.

Anthony said, "It was great to meet with our partners and share more about how we are building a high performance culture here at Brighton.”

“Transitioning away from elite rugby and into football was a new challenge for me, but much of my role as head of player development and elite performance goes beyond individual sports. The critical element to ensure sustained success is to build a performance culture that allows people to thrive and perform under pressure."

"It was a privilege to be able to share these insights with our guests, who were very engaging and brought insightful questions to the room."

Drawing on his extensive background in elite rugby, Anthony detailed how the club is actively exploring ways to empower players to take greater ownership of the team mindset, a staple of All Blacks culture where senior leaders drive accountability and where standards are upheld collectively, rather than individually.

The floor was then opened to Luka Vusković, who provided an inside look into settling into life at Brighton, his development under head coach Fabian Hürzeler, Mike Anthony and club captain Lewis Dunk, alongside his first impressions of the club since his arrival this summer.