This week we're getting to know second row Brandon Foot, who has been part of Eastbourne Rugby Club for a decade, and finding out more about I.M.P Sports Therapy, the business behind his sponsorship and a familiar name around the club.

At 23, Brandon has been playing rugby for 13 years, with 10 of those spent at Eastbourne. It was his grandad who first got him into the game, bringing him down to his very first session at the club.

Away from rugby, there's not a huge amount of downtime, with Brandon usually found either working or in the gym. And if he wasn't playing rugby? He'd probably be giving triathlon a go instead!

When it comes to rugby heroes, Henry Pollock gets his vote as favourite professional player, while Saracens are his team of choice.

But what is it that makes Eastbourne special to him? For Brandon, it's all about the people:

"It's the sense of community. The club is built on volunteers, coaches, supporters and core rugby values which creates a special and welcoming environment."

It's a feeling that runs through the club, and one of Brandon's favourite memories is the annual Big Night Out, celebrating the players, the achievements of the club and all those who work hard behind the scenes to make it happen.

Of course, no rugby player profile would be complete without finding out about the all-important pre-match routine. Brandon's meal of choice is smashed avocado, eggs, bacon and sourdough, while his pre-match playlist features Rein Me In, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean. A slightly more varied soundtrack than you might expect!

And finally, a bit of changing room honesty. Asked who is responsible for the worst changing room chat, Brandon didn't hold back, pointing straight at Tom Line, better known as 'Trumpet'!

Meet the Sponsor: I.M.P Sports Therapy

Supporting Brandon is I.M.P Sports Therapy, run by Ian, affectionately known around the club as 'Froggy'.

Ian is a sports therapist who works with a wide range of people, from top-level sportsmen and women to keen gardeners. Whether it's treating a sporting injury, tackling everyday aches and pains or helping someone return to the activities they love, his focus is simple: getting people moving and feeling their best.

I.M.P Sports Therapy started halfway through Ian's Master's degree, and he has continued to develop the business, building on his skills, knowledge and experience ever since.

For Ian, one of the most rewarding parts of running a local business is being able to make a real difference to people in the community. Helping someone get out of pain and back to doing what they enjoy is what it's all about, particularly when that support can be provided through local sports clubs.

His connection with Eastbourne Rugby Club goes much further than sponsorship. A former player himself, Ian has plenty of personal history with the club and is keen to give something back to a place that has given him so much over the years, including incredible support, team spirit and lifelong friendships.

"I've been sponsoring ERFC for three years now and have experienced so many highs with the club, both as a player and now as a supporter and medic. It's been brilliant to experience those moments from a different perspective. While I might not be out on the pitch playing anymore, I'm still very much part of the action, just through a different lens!"

Now three years into sponsoring the club, Ian has enjoyed experiencing Eastbourne's highs from a different perspective. Although he might not be out on the pitch playing anymore, he's still very much part of the action, this time as a supporter and medic, helping keep players fit, healthy and on the pitch whenever possible.

"As a former player, it made perfect sense to give something back to a club that has given me so much over the years. ERFC has provided me with incredible support, a real sense of team spirit and some lifelong friendships. It continues to be a big part of my life, so being able to support the club in return is something I'm really proud of."

Looking ahead to another season, Ian is ready to get stuck in, deal with whatever injuries come his way and help players return safely to action. Hopefully, of course, there won't be too many!

And for anyone wondering who Ian would invite to a rugby dinner, Matt Dawson would be high on the list, although Jason Robinson, Josh Lewsey and Anthony Watson would all be strong contenders. That's certainly a table that wouldn't be short of rugby stories!

A big thank you to Ian and I.M.P Sports Therapy for the continued support of Brandon and Eastbourne Rugby Club. It's fantastic to have former players continuing to play such an important role in the club's future.

Find out more about I.M.P Sports Therapy:
www.impsportstherapy.co.uk
@impsportstherapy