Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) has today released its 2025 Player Development Program (PDP) Insights and Impact Report.  

Covering the 2024/25 season, the Report illustrates the continued impact of the PDP on the lives of Australia’s professional footballers on and off the pitch.  

Funded by the A-Leagues and National Teams Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), key highlights of the annual report include:  

  • 929 confidential counselling sessions fully funded for players, bringing the total spend to $900,000 since 2021 on wellbeing support.  
  • Seven past player events and an annual Health day;  
  • 121 players provided with a comprehensive workplace induction; 
  • 43 players gained coaching qualifications through PFA courses;  
  • 84 education grants;  
  • 400 players undertook gambling addiction education;  
  • 99% of players were either slightly or extremely satisfied with the PDP; and 
  • 102 players accessed recruitment support including highlights packages. 

Furthermore, in partnership with FIFPRO, the global footballers’ union, all National Team and A-Leagues players took part in a mental health audit. The findings revealed:  

  • In both men and women professional footballers, sport-psychological distress was common with prevalence reaching 43% and 66% respectively;     
  • Prevalence of other mental health symptoms ranged from 2% for substance misuse to 31% for alcohol misuse and 32% for disordered eating among male players, and from 1% for substance misuse to 34% for alcohol misuse and 41% for disordered eating among female players;     
  • The incidence of sleep disturbance and problem gambling in male players was significantly higher than in 2020 when the last audit was completed; and      
  • The incidence of sport-related psychological distress, global psychological distress, anxiety, and depression was significantly higher in 2025 for female players than in 2020.   

Read the full report here 

PFA Co-President Tameka Yallop said the Report reflected the deep commitment of the players to ensuring the industry supported the full development of players.  

“Australian football needs to ensure it is not only developing great players but also great people.  

“The PDP plays a critical role in ensuring we have world class support during times of need and expertise to help us prepare for life after football.  

“Having taken control from Football Australia of the PDP in 2013 the players are incredibly proud of the growth of the program and the impact it is having.” 

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said the report’s findings demonstrate the progress that has been made but also the enormous challenges being faced by players.  

“The continued rising demand for programs and services illustrates the trust the players have in the PFA and the PDP, however equally the audit illustrates the significant wellbeing challenges players face.  

“As we approach the final year of the leagues CBA the players are determined to enhance the capacity of the PDP and to positively shape the environment in which players work.”