Player Development

Established by the players, for the players, the mission of the PFA’s Player Development Program is to develop, support and empower the players. Under the PDP model, the PFA aims to ensure the players have access to Health and Wellbeing, Career and Education and Personal Development services, while accessing Industry Understanding and Professionalism.

PFA Player Development Program Model

Health & Wellbeing

All players have access to the PFA’s Psychological Support Network. This confidential and nationwide service consists of psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists, who provide players with support in a variety of areas. This includes:

  • Depression;
  • Anxiety;
  • Relationship breakdown;
  • Addiction; 
  • Grief;
  • Body issues; and
  • Performance Anxiety.

All A-League Men and Women’s players were invited to attend concussion education workshops which focused on:

  • what a concussion is and how you can sustain one;
  • the short, medium and long term consequences of concussion;
  • the 5 key observations of someone with concussion
Physical Wellbeing Support Services
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Players undertook skin cancer checks during 2020/21.

Career & Education

Education Grants

The PFA recognises the importance of education and supports player’s endeavours in this area by providing financial assistance via education grants. Players can apply annually by outlining how the study relates to their career plan.

*Note: Round 2 applications postponed due to financial impact of COVID-19.

Beyond the 90 - PFA Work Placement Program

The Beyond the 90 Program provides an opportunity for players to engage in a meaningful work placement experience alongside their professional playing careers.

During the 2020/21 season, three players undertook placements in different fields:

  • Margot Robbine (Melbourne City FC) @ Cricket Australia
  • Nick Sullivan (Perth Glory FC) @ Trio Homes
  • Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory FC) @ Perth Heat Baseball Club

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Skill Development Workshops

First and second year players were invited to attend workshops in a variety of areas such as:

  • Money Management 101
  • Media 101
  • Respectful Relationships

Coach Education

The PFA had originally scheduled three C-License and one B-License centralised coaching courses for current and past players across the country. However, three courses had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions.

The PFA had 57 players registered to attend these courses. Fortunately, the Melbourne C-License Coaching course was completed in July with 15 players past and present attending.

Recruitment Support

84 A-League & W-League Player highlights and scouting packages produced

Past Players Program

In March 2021, the PFA launched the PFA Past Players Program, an initiative designed to better support former professional players and reconnect them with the game.

The Past Players Program aims to address the gap in current support offerings for former footballers and galvanise their connection with the game. The Program has over 250 members sign up since its launch.

In 2021, the PFA hosted Past Players events in Adelaide, Sydney and Perth. All events had a great turn out and provided a fantastic opportunity for past players to reconnect and watch a game together.

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