| Last week we were treated to one of the best presentations we’ve ever had at one of our events, from the club manager at Burgess Hill Football Club, Gary Mansell Gary explained how to create a winning culture. He explained the journey he had embarked on from humble beginnings coaching his son’s under 11s team to where he is today, a full-time professional coach. He told us of the learning curve he’d embraced and absorbed. He then detailed the plan he put in place when he stepped into the role last year. A lot of hard work on multiple fronts ensued and the results now speak for themselves.  Gary Mansell, the Manager of Burgess Hill Town Football Club |
| He provided a detailed analysis of the playing level expected at this level of league football and how he closely studied the competition, their strengths and weaknesses. There was a studied overview of the club culture, engendering respect for others, for team mates generally and for the supporters. He explained how that culture evolved to become a team ethos, with a self-governing group of individuals who maintained the highest standards expected of them, from the changing room to the pitch and to the after-game meets with supporters in the club house. By establishing the correct player mindset the challenge of recruitment became easier. With the right captain leading that changing room, interest in playing for the team rocketed. Emotion and empathy being the bedrock of that club spirit. |
 From boys… Gary gave us an overview of his approach, touching on these seven key points: –Connect the club –Shared philosophy –Recruitment –Culture –Standards –Responsibilities –Details |
 to young men This included much improved facilities at the club and great looking professional kit. Setting standards is important. Many of these have been created by the team themselves, who will impose a fine on a fellow player for lateness, or other. He told us how details are important, getting them right through trial and error. |
Previously the goal nets of the Hillians were striped black and green. He insisted on reverting them back to white, because on home turf his players need to see that goal mouth at every point on the pitch with clarity and to their advantage. He gave us a run through of the analysis he does before every game. The tactics board, a recent addition to the changing room, now gets a lot of use. The results of all this speak for themselves, the team is this year flying high in their league and looking towards the play-offs. Already their performance this year has outstripped where they were last year: |
| The association wishes the Green & Blacks every success this year, we’re cheering them on to league success! It was apparent to everyone who heard Gary’s presentation that the lessons soaked up on the pitch and in the dressing room are lessons every business can learn from. The Launch of BHBPA Training We then launched BHBPA’s own range of training courses. We’re offering our members opportunities to train their staff to reach new standards of performance. Julian Clay of Sales to Success explained the two courses he offers through the association. Firstly he touched on the content of the Sales Fundamentals course he delivers, looking at the challenges of selling and how to meet them, ultimately giving your team the skill sets to:Make prospecting easierHelp delegates better prepareMake it easier to articulate areas of valueImprove your chances of getting commitment This in turn will help increase your sales pipeline and conversions! He then explained a little about the BHBPA Account Management course he delivers. Perhaps your business has a team of field engineers who need to improve their communication skill sets?Build stronger business relationshipsGain more upselling and cross selling opportunitiesLock out your competitorsAchieve genuine sales growth This will help you to deliver long-term sales results! |
 Julian Clay of Sales to Success  Michala Liavaag of Cybility Consulting |
| Gamifying cybersecurity awareness Next up we had Michala Liavaag and Ana Garner, from Cybility Consulting Every month throughout 2025 they will be offering two hour courses, either morning or afternoon sessions (to avoid school run issues) and like all our courses these will be held at the Kings Centre on Victoria Road. They treated us to a little gamification of what cybersecurity means and how they approach this in their innovative training. They also offered up a special offer for the first 15 delegates booked up on one of these courses – a special introductory offer of £95 per person. Develop the acumen of your business’s next leaders We then presented the range of courses offered by Rewards Training, with a significant discount for all BHBPA members. These accredited courses are the perfect vehicle to transport your staff to a proper professional grounding in the basics of team leadership. Perhaps you have someone performing exceptionally in their current role, but to step up to a leadership role, they’ll need to develop new skills and perspectives. They’ll come away with a qualification, aligned with City & Guilds, which they can build on. Again, we have a fantastic introductory offer on this course, £499 for three half days. See booking details further below for all these introductory offers. Plan your business success by training your team, emulating the example of our town’s football club! |
 Ana Garner of Cybility Consulting  Just some of our guests: Neil Tomlinson, Glenn Mills & David Long |
 Engaged in cybersecurity sleuthing: Bridget Ryan, Paul Dallibar, Jack Ranson, John Blackburn and Mark Jackson Everyone was treated to a taste of Saturdays and other match nights at the stadium, with delicious smash burgers, butcher’s sausages and great chips. There was also a vegetarian option….just as you would get on the terraces and served by the Back of The Net catering team. We’d like to thank the club, the owners, the volunteers and the staff for what was a motivational evening with great food and networking. |
 David Corney, one of the co-owners of Burgess Hill Town Football Club There are exciting times ahead for the town’s Football Club as Burgess Hill Town FC are enjoying an excellent season and have big plans for the future and we would be thrilled to have you join our journey. An application for a new 3G pitch is currently in with Mid Sussex District Council and was recently approved by Burgess Hill Town Council for the installation of the pitch, new floodlights, perimeter fencing and acoustic barrier. Sponsoring BHTFC is a fantastic way to give back to the local community. By partnering with us, your business can achieve high visibility and substantial audience reach in the town and beyond. The Hillians benefit from a growing, loyal fan base and we also have a large following on social media (10k on X and 4.5k on Instagram). |
| We have lots of ways for you to get involved from kit sponsorship, stadium naming rights, Hillians TV and social media sponsorships, stand sponsorships, advertising boards, matchday packages, programme advertising and much more. We have a sponsorship package to suit your needs. |
| All images: Lynden Humphrey: Photographer & Founder – Capture Cult Media Lynden@CaptureCultMedia.com 07818 178332 |
 For all your commercial enquiries Please contact David Corney:david@burgesshilltownfc.co.uk |