Ed Akay has helped Rotherham-based coach Matthew White qualify for the 2027 Independent Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (IBFA) Mr Universe competition in Italy after six years of working together.
The pair first teamed up during a charity body transformation challenge, which saw Ed regain his former physique to raise money for good causes. What began as a single project developed into a successful coach-and-athlete partnership.
Matthew, founder of MW Strength & Performance, coached Ed to the Natural Mr Universe title, a World Championship silver medal and three British natural bodybuilding championships, establishing himself as one of Britain’s leading natural bodybuilding coaches.
Inspired by the achievements of the athletes he had coached, Matthew returned to competitive bodybuilding in 2026 after several years away from the stage. His comeback included victory in the Junior Masters class at the UKUP Natural Championships before he secured qualification for the 2027 IBFA Mr Universe in Italy with his performance at the IBFA GB Barnsley Colliery Classic.
Having previously reached the top of the sport under Matthew’s guidance, Ed has now become his coach’s posing coach and agent, using his own championship experience to help prepare him for competition.
Matthew will continue competing around the UK this season before representing Great Britain in Italy next year, with Ed remaining part of his preparations.
Kyle Vice, of IBFA GB Barnsley Colliery Classic, said: “Matthew has great potential to go further in this sport and will be a strong competitor in the physique category.
“It was a pleasure to have him on stage at my show and an even greater pleasure to hand him his invite to compete for the Universe title in Italy.”
Ed said: “After all our success over the past two years it felt surreal acting as a coach for a guy who gave so much to me.
“Matthew’s drive is insane and we are definitely doing the skill exchange of a lifetime!”
