The PFA has today published its annual Player Development Program (PDP) Report, which highlights record investment in mental health consultations and education funding for PFA members.

According to the report, 1082 confidential counselling sessions were provided to players throughout the last financial year. This continues a year-on-year increase from 773 sessions (2022/23), 467 (2021/22), 200 (2020/21) and 141 (2019/20).

All players, their partners, and immediate family members have access to the PFA’s Mental Health Referral Network – delivered by PFA partner The Mind Room. The service provides a confidential and nationwide service consisting of psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists.

They provide players with support in a variety of areas including depression, anxiety, relationship breakdown, addiction, grief, body issues and performance anxiety.

As a result of the unprecedented demand for greater mental health support, the PFA established a partnership with Sporting Chance UK in March this year.

The UK-based organisation provides emotional or mental health support by accredited expert practitioners in European-friendly time zones for members based in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Report also outlines a range of services provided by the PDP, including:

  • Over 200 education grants have been provided to players to support their careers and prepare for life after football;
  • 76 members registered across Coaching Courses, including the B and C Diploma courses, and for the first time in collaboration with Football Australia, a goalkeeper B Diploma course;
  • 45 skin checks for national team players, and 30 Heart Health, Concussion and Skin Cancer Checks for Past Players; and
  • 450 members signing up for the PFA’s Past Players Program, which has hosted several events across the nation, providing an avenue and opportunity to reconnect via the PFA with former teammates.

PFA Head of Player Development Rita Mankowska said the growth of the program highlighted its fundamental importance to the players and the broader industry.

“By embedding a player centric approach into all aspects of the program, we have been able to ensure that professional football can enrich all aspects our members lives,” Mankowska said.

“Whilst there remains a need to embed player development into the culture of the professional game, we are encouraged by the growing willingness of many clubs and national team staff to work collaboratively.”

In his first year as PFA President Jackson Irvine commented on the PDP’s impact, saying: “It has been a privilege to witness firsthand the profound impact our Player Development Program has on our members.

“I firmly believe in the importance of footballers balancing their careers on the pitch with pursuits and interests off it. I am proud of the difference the program continues to make in the lives of our members.”