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.

The Players’ Journey is the PFA’s innovative program designed to support players’ wellbeing, career and preparation for retirement and is the primary means through which PFA members engage with the Player Development Program (PDP).

The PFA’s Wellbeing programs aim to enhance players’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health both during, and after our members’ playing career. The PFA provides professional support through our Mental Health Referral Service, and Wellbeing Education Programs, as well as Physical and Medical Support Services.

The PFA’s Career programs aim to give players a better understanding of the football industry as a whole. The PFA is here to support players around their contracts, rights as a worker and responsibilities and to help them develop their knowledge of the industry so that they have the tools to make the best possible decisions to maximise their time in football.

To prepare players for Transition and Retirement, we provide education and support, career counselling, exit interviews, a dedicated transition manager, job ready support and work placements.

The PFA Past Players Program is 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 now has over 300 members.

In 2022, the PFA hosted 13 Past Players events in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra. All events had a great turn out and provided a fantastic opportunity for past players to reconnect and watch a game together.

All players have access to the PFA’s Mental Health Referral 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.

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.