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From The Chief Executive
Welcome to the 2025 PFA Player Development Program report.
This report illustrates that we can look back on 2024-25 with pride at the progress we have made in pursuit of our mission of supporting the players and building the game.
Importantly, this report marks 12 seasons since the PFA assumed control of the Player Development Program through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Much has happened over the past 12 years. In collaboration with clubs, the league and Football Australia, we have built a program that is world-leading and which positively impacts the lives of players both during and beyond their careers.
This program has ensured that players have access to expertise to support them in their preparation for retirement, wellbeing services during times of need and career advice to help them maximise their time in the sport. Importantly, the growth of the program has illustrated the wisdom of the decision 12 years ago to entrust its operation to those it is there to support - the players.
Over the past year, the program has continued to increase its impact on the lives of our members. Rising numbers of players and their immediate families are accessing wellbeing support through the Mental Health Referral Network. Education Grants continue to play a vital role in encouraging off-field development, and critically, our staff continue to play a vital role as reflected in the findings of our annual survey.
The report also illustrates the challenges being faced by players with increasing numbers reporting distress and challenges with addiction. The stresses being imposed on the A-League Women players, as a result of the part-time environment, are severely impacting them and moved beyond sustainable many years ago.
We recognise there remains much to do.
We want to ensure our members are better prepared for life after football and that their careers take place in an environment that positively shapes their wellbeing and recognises that they are people first and players second.
Over the next 12 months we aim to continue to proactively address the challenges facing our members and enrich their lives through meaningful and impactful programs and services.
Finally, thank you to our outstanding staff whose commitment, expertise and professionalism has been critical to the continued growth of the PDP, thank you.
I hope you enjoy the report.
Beau Busch
PFA Chief Executive
About the Player Development Program
Established by the PFA in 2013, the PDP is the PFA's world-class, integrative approach to player development.
Delivered by the PFA, the PDP is funded by the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) between the PFA, on behalf of the players, the Australian Professional Leagues and Football Australia. The PDP recognises that all players are people first. Throughout players’ football journey, the PDP supports players’ wellbeing and careers while helping prepare players for the universal experience of retirement.
Through collaboration with domestic partners such as the Australian Athlete Alliance and global partners such as FIFPRO and World Players’ Association, the PFA adopts policy and practice from some of the best sporting unions and experts in the world. Combined with a commitment to research and deep player engagement, the PFA regularly benchmarks its programs and services with a commitment to continual improvement.
PDP Strategic Framework
Mission
To support players with their career, wellbeing and retirement.
Program objectives
1. Deliver high quality, evidence-based programs and services to ensure that players have access to the best education, information and practical skill building.
2. Empower players to ensure a successful transition and retirement into a meaningful and fulfilling life.
3. Ensure the connection between players, the PFA and the game continues beyond their retirement as a player.
4. Establish and foster industry commitment and awareness of player development.
Player Development Program Model
PFA Values
Courage
We stand by what we believe in. Our greatest achievement have come in the face of opposition. Our position is sustainable because our cause is for the good of the game and the players.
Respect
We hold a deep respect for the game's institutions and profession of playing the world's greatest game for a living. We understand that the wellbeing of the game is a precondition to the wellbeing of the players.
Trust
Everything we do is based on the unique trust that exists with our members. The foundations for that trust lie in our deep commitment to our vision.
Intelligence
We adopt a knowledge-based approach to finding solutions to major challenges facing the game and the players. We believe in continuous learning and development.
World Class
We are a global body that has a major role to play in the world game. Our world view embraces the game and the players in our region. Through striving for excellence, we seek to advance football in Australia and our region.
“The Player Development Program ensures we can get the very best out of ourselves on and off the pitch and have support we can count on at anytime both during and after our playing careers.”
Mat Ryan
PFA Executive MemberPlayer Development Team
Rita Mankowska
Head of Player Development, Past Players and Matildas
Emily Figueroa
Acting Head of Player Development, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets PDM
Jon McKain
Socceroos, Overseas Male PDM
Jake Timpano
Sydney FC, Western Sydney, and Macarthur PDM
Cam Watson
Melbourne Victory, Mellbourne City, and Western United PDM
Caitlin Munoz
Canberra United PDM
Jack Hannath
Adelaide United PDM
Alex Bevilaqua
Perth Glory PDM
Helen Regan
Wellington Phoenix PDM
Luke DeVere
Brisbane Roar PDM
Kirsty Yallop
Auckland FC PDM
Erin Clout
Overseas Female PDM
Executive Summary
929
Confidential counselling sessions provided to players
121
Players undertook a comprehensive workplace Induction program
1
Past Player Health Day with Heart Health, Concussion and Skin Cancer Checks for Past Players
49
Skin Cancer Checks for National Team Players
84
Education grants provided to players
482
Members of the Past Players Program
18
Players attended Deloitte Salesforce Work Placement Training Program
99%
of players either extremely or slightly satisfied with the Player Development Program
97%
player satisfaction rating of PFA Skill Development Workshops
43
Attended PFA centralised coaching courses
102
Highlights packages produced for players
7
Past Player Events were held across most major cities
132
Players undertook concussion, betting and match fixing education
400
Players undertook gambling addiction education
All
All National Team and A-Leagues players took part in a mental health audit
Wellbeing
The PFA PDP provides players access to a variety of programs and services to support their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The PDM plays a vital role in identifying the needs of each player and as required will triage players to the most appropriate support services or programs. These services have been developed with the necessary scope to meet each individual’s needs, ensure confidentiality as required and that expert support is available at all times.
Mental Health Referral Network
All players and their partners and immediate family members have access to the PFA's Mental Health Referral Network. This confidential service consists of psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists, who provide players with support in a variety of areas.
Common presenting themes include:
- Injury
- Transition
- Anxiety
- Mental Health
- Performance
- Wellbeing
- Disordered Eating
Mental Health Audit
During the 2024/25 A-Leagues season, the PFA, in partnership with FIFPRO, the global footballers' union, and the University of Amsterdam, undertook a mental survey of all A-Leagues and National Team Players.
Key Findings
- 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.
- The incidence of sport-related psychological distress, global psychological distress, anxiety, and depression was significantly higher in 2025 for female players than in 2020.
Wellbeing Education
Gambling Addiction
Delivered by EPIC, a global authority on gambling addiction, this education was delivered to all A-League Men and Women players. Focusing on the drivers of addiction, signs and symptoms and available support the education was in response to increasing needs for support.
Wellbeing Education
Provided to A-League Men players, the education was designed and delivered by Chris Mordue, a highly regarded psychotherapist who was worked extensively in the UK and Australia. The education focused on the unique stresses of high-performance sport, wellbeing practices and available support.
Concussion Education
All first year A-Leagues players attended concussion education workshops which focused on the signs of distress and impacting factors.
Resilience Program
Matildas players underwent a wellbeing workshop with Hugh van Cuylenberg from the Resilience Project.
Physical Support Services
- 59 Skin cancer checks undertaken for players
- 14 GameReady recovery machines provided to players to support their recovery from serious injury
Education
All first year A-Leagues players attended concussion education workshops which focused on:
- Signs of distress
- Impacting factors
- Self care; and
- Available support services.
Key Wellbeing Challenges
At the conclusion of the 2024/25 A-Leagues season, players participated in a comprehensive survey. This revealed a range of challenges and opportunities regarding environmental factors impacting their wellbeing. The findings included:
A-League Women
A-League Men
Career
Our Career program aims to ensure players develop a deep understanding of the industry as a whole, focusing on players' rights and responsibilities, to help players maximise their time in the sport.
Acknowledging that every player is at a different stage in their career and has unique goals, challenges and opportunities, we focused on delivering content that will help new players transition successfully into professional football and thrive in a new environment.
Education Grants
Through the PDP players can access funding of up to $1,000 per season to support them in relation to professional development. In 2024-25, 84 players accessed a PFA Education Grant.
Industry Induction
121 first-year players underwent a comprehensive industry Induction, which focused on:
- Rights and responsibilities
- Support services
- Concussion
- Integrity
- Abuse, bullying and harassment; and
- Media and social media
Skill Development Workshops
338 players took part in skill development workshops that aimed to build skills to support their time in professional footballer. Topics included:
- Leadership
- Financial Management
- Social Media
Recruitment Support
The PFA produced 102 highlights packages for players seeking employment.
Key Career Challenges
At the conclusion of the 2024/25 A-Leagues season, players participated in a comprehensive survey. This revealed a range of challenges and opportunities regarding environmental factors impacting their wellbeing. The findings included:
A-League Women
A-League Men
Retirement
Helping players prepare for the universal and inevitable challenge of retirement is a key aspect of the PDP. With this in mind we aim to empower and fully prepare players for their eventual retirement, while still giving them the time, focus and skills to perform well during their careers. We do this by building their understanding of the different ways in which they can retire, exploring post football careers and incentivising off field development and education. Our goal is to ensure that players continue to have the support of the PFA long after they retire through our PFA Past Players Program.
Beyond the 90
The program empowers players to pursue their career goals and prepare for life after football through work placement opportunities. The work placement is designed to give players real-world experience while working around their playing and training schedules. It comprises 53 hours and players need to self-nominate for scholarships. Two National Team scholarships were awarded this season to Charlotte Grant and Hayley Raso.
- Charlotte Grant completed a work placement at Two Circles (sports marketing) in the UK, July 2025.
- Hayley Raso will complete her work placement at Two Circles (sports marketing) in the UK.
PFA Beyond Bank Community Medal
Recognises the contribution of a PFA Member to the community through their commitment to a charitable cause and impact off the field. Alex Chidiac was awarded the Community Medal for her work with several community and charitable organisations, including Common Goal, the Big Issue Street Soccer Program and WhatAbility.
Coaching Courses
43 players undertook their coaching courses through the PFA, obtaining either an AFC C or B Licence.
Past Player Program
Membership of the Past Player program rose to 482. In addition to seven Past Player Events held across Australia, a Past Player Health day was held in Melbourne, which enabled access to Heart health and skin cancer checks.
Player Feedback
Before the conclusion of each A-League season, the PFA invited all members to give feedback on the PFA PDP and staff.
Players shared personal feedback on all aspects of the program and program staff, with the objective of ensuring the PFA continues to deliver world class programs and services to Australia's elite professional players.
The findings encouragingly highlighted increased levels of engagement and high levels of satisfaction with the broader program and program staff. In addition the findings also outlined a number of measures that could be adopted to improve program quality, delivery and efficacy, with greater integration of the program into clubs being a high priority for the players.
What was clear from comments provided by players was that PDMs at a number of clubs face significant barriers in undertaking their work, including scheduling, restrictions of time and limited access to players.
of players were either slightly or extremely satisfied with the PDP.
satisfaction of PFA skill development workshops
satisfaction of PFA education grants
satisfaction of the PFA's Mental Health Referral Network
"I've had some really amazing Player Development Managers through the clubs I've been at...they've been a really positive influence on my education journey and my football journey in general, and my wellbeing.
Matt Sutton
A-League PlayerKey Partners
