Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) today concluded its inaugural mass player induction camp in Melbourne.
Proudly supported by PFA Major Partner LUCRF Super, the two-day event saw over 100 of the PFA’s A-League, Matildas, W-League, and National Youth League members undertake a series of workshops and presentations on a range of topics including resilience, leadership, social media, Australian football history, financial literacy and mindfulness.
Aimed at equipping players with the necessary skills to excel on and off the pitch, presenters included AFL Premiership winning coach Mick Malthouse, former leading Australian Netballer Bianca Chatfield, The Resilience Projects’ Hugh van Cuylenburg and Fox Sports‘ Adam Peacock and Murray Shaw.
PFA Chief Executive John Didulica said the induction had been an overwhelming success.
“To have 100 players make such a significant commitment to the inaugural induction is transformational for the sport and highlights the players’ appetite to developing themselves on and off the pitch,” said Didulica.
“To spend two days educating current players on the history of football in this country, hearing about the challenges of present and former players and then giving our members the tools to navigate these challenges is very rewarding.”
PFA Executive Committee Member Gabe Marzano said the induction was an invaluable vehicle help players cope with the demands of elite sport and to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by it.
“The ups and downs of sport can place a lot of strain on players,” said the current W-League player and Australian Defence Force engineer diver.
“To have experts in a range of fields come in and present to us on strategies that can help us be at our best on the pitch, and excel off it, was hugely beneficial and something that we all got a lot out of.”
Fellow PFA Executive Committee Member and Newcastle Jets captain Nigel Boogaard said the induction had been a great opportunity for young, senior and former players.
“To see our outstanding talented young players and leading current and former National Team, A-League and W-League players all in one room together was hugely encouraging,” said Boogaard.
“The response from the players has been very positive and I’m sure everyone will leave the induction with a greater understanding of how to get the most out yourself and your career and motivation to do so.”
Young Matilda and Adelaide United defender Grace Abbey said the two-day event had been very beneficial.
“As players, we try every day to get better,” said Abbey. “The induction has given us some important strategies to help us to improve as players, but also away from football.
“It has been something that I’m sure everyone who attended enjoyed and will be important for us all on and off the field.”
MEDIA
Beau Busch | PFA Player Relations and Communications Executive
PH: +61 (0) 0432 763 485
