Elevating the Game: BWP Football Academy Integrates Sports Performance Training into Weekly Periodization for 2025/26 with hiring of Andrew Lehning
BWP Football Academy is raising the bar for player development by integrating Sports Performance Training (SPT) into its weekly periodization model, combining technical excellence with athletic performance science to shape the modern footballer. Sports Performance Coach Andrew Lehning will be joining the BWP FA Staff for the 2025/26 season, and will be embedding Sports Performance into weekly training sessions.
In today’s game, talent alone is not enough. Athletes must be explosive, resilient, and ready to perform under pressure. Recognizing this, BWP FA with Coach Lehninig will be developing a structured performance model that weaves SPT into its weekly training cycle—optimizing recovery, minimizing injury risk, and enhancing match-day output.
A Smarter Week: The Periodized Approach
Rather than tacking fitness onto training, BWP FA uses a periodized schedule where each day of the week has a clear physical and tactical goal. A typical microcycle looks like this:
- Monday: Recovery + Mobility Focus
Light technical work is paired with mobility, flexibility, and active recovery strategies following weekend match play. Sports Performance coaches lead sessions targeting joint integrity, fascia release, and light aerobic stimulus. - Tuesday: High-Intensity Power & Acceleration
Strength and conditioning experts guide players through explosive SPT sessions focused on sprint mechanics, plyometrics, and deceleration drills. Football-specific high-speed transitions follow, reinforcing neuromuscular adaptation. - Wednesday: Tactical and Moderate Load
A lower-intensity technical and tactical day. SPT support includes core stability and corrective work, helping players restore balance without overstressing the system. - Thursday: Game Simulation + Peak Load
The most physically demanding day. Players undergo match-intensity SPT conditioning circuits and integrated small-sided games, replicating real-time physical and decision-making demands. - Saturday: Match Day or Performance Application
Players are fully prepared—physically and mentally—for competition. Load and nutrition are carefully monitored to ensure optimal performance. - Sunday: Active Recovery or Tactical Review
If not match day, light aerobic work, film review, and mobility sessions are prescribed.
Performance and Prevention
This holistic approach doesn’t just enhance athleticism—it reduces injuries. By periodizing SPT alongside football training, BWP FA mitigates overtraining and builds long-term athletic durability.
Building the Complete Player
“Developing elite players means training the athlete just as much as the footballer,” says BWP FA’s Head of Performance, Andrew Lehning. “We don’t separate the two—we integrate them.”
By embedding Sports Performance Training within every phase of development, BWP Football Academy ensures players don’t just survive the modern game—they thrive in it. “We are trying to do everything we can to equip our players with best methods and modern practices, so they can maximize their experience and put themselves in the best position for what lies next,” said Academy Director Steve Freeman. Coach Lehning will be working with all age groups involved in the ECNL RL – age groups beginning at U13 and running through the U18/19s.
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