The PFA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.
The PFA is a NoCO2 business certified by the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI).
The PFA is a proud member of the Welcome Here Project, which supports businesses and services throughout Australia to create and promote environments that are visibly welcoming and inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities.
From The Chief Executive
Welcome to the 2026 PFA Player Development Program (PDP) Insights and Impact Report.
Since the PFA's establishment, the union's mission has been to support the players and build the game. This report illustrates how we bring together those two critical objectives.
During the 2025/26 season, close to 1,000 confidential counselling sessions were provided to players, over $150,000 was paid out in education funding, more than 500 skin cancer checks were provided across the A-Leagues, National Teams and to our retired and transitioned players.
These numbers highlight the scale of the impact the PDP has on the lives of our members, but they reveal only part of the picture.
Within those numbers are players who have accessed support at the urging of a teammate to deal with loss, addiction or career ending injury and others who have taken their first steps into building a life after hanging up their boots with dedicated support and care.
It includes those that have undertaken PFA coaching courses who will shape the future of the game and drive our sport to new levels, just as previous participants like Mark Milligan have. I have no doubt that those who participated in this year's coaching courses, players including Grace Maher and Trent Sainsbury, will do the same.
Michele Heyman continued to develop herself away from football by undertaking a work placement through the Beyond the 90 Program, and fellow Matildas legend Sally Shipard was awarded the PFA Community Medal for her outstanding charity work.
This report also marks the conclusion of the A-Leagues Collective Bargaining Agreement and provides an important moment for reflection. Much has been achieved, but important cultural work remains ongoing to embed player development into professional football.
Clubs such as Adelaide United, Sydney FC, Auckland FC, Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City have consistently shared the PFA's ambition. However, other clubs have offered resistance rather than encouragement.
As we look to the future, consistency across the leagues and National Teams will be vital. That can only occur if the industry recognises that players are people first.
Finally, this off-season saw a restructure of the program to ensure we could continue to support our members during a period of change and instability for the industry.
Whilst these changes are designed to strengthen our support for our members, it has required difficult decisions to be made regarding several long-serving staff. To Jack Hannath, Caitlin Munoz, Alex Bevilaqua, Kirsty Yallop, Luke DeVere and Vicki Hudson thank you for all your efforts in your roles as Player Development Managers, the players were incredibly fortunate to have you supporting them.
Yours sincerely,
Beau
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 their wellbeing and careers while helping prepare them for the universal experience of retirement.
Through collaboration with domestic partners such as the Australian Athletes 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 achievements 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 the 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 PFA are] always there to help. 24/7. They offer great things outside of football, helping with education, counselling, physio help. Anything you need really...”
Ellie Carpenter
Matildas & Chelsea FCPlayer Development Team
Emily Figueroa
Lead PDM, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets PDM
Rita Mankowska
Wellbeing and Transition Manager and Matildas PDM
Jake Timpano
Sydney FC, Western Sydney, and Macarthur PDM
Cam Watson
Melbourne Victory, Mellbourne City 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
Vicki Hudson
Auckland FC PDM
Erin Clout
Overseas Female PDM
Jon McKain
Socceroos, Overseas Male PDM
Executive Summary
992
Confidential counselling sessions provided to players
102
Players undertook a comprehensive workplace Induction program
532
Skin Cancer Checks for A-Leagues & National Team Players
153
Education grants provided to players
522
Members of the Past Players Program
12
Players attended Deloitte Salesforce Work Placement Training Program
98%
of players either extremely or slightly satisfied with the Player Development Program
48
Attended PFA centralised coaching courses
114
Highlights packages produced for players
7
Past Player Events were held across most major cities
All
A-Leagues Players undertook Respectful Relationships education hosted by Teach Us Consent
31
players participated in a Personal Branding & Social Media course hosted by Sportscloud
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
Respect X
In October 2025, the PFA entered a new partnership with Respect X, a leading Australian reporting and case management platform, to enhance workplace safety and wellbeing for A-Leagues players.
RespectX provides tools to prevent and respond to harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Its platform enables both formal and informal reporting, integrates wellbeing support, and delivers real-time analytics to help identify and address psychosocial risks.
This partnership builds on the PFA's Safe Football Project, launched in August 2024, which aims to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of professional footballers across Australia.
One of the Project's key recommendations was the creation of an independently operated, anonymous reporting space managed by trusted peers and representatives.
Wellbeing Education
Respectful Relationships Education
In February, the PFA in partnership with Teach Us Consent, delivered a Consent and Respectful Relationships session for A-League Men and Women players.
The session aimed to contextualise consent in a broader social context, ensure players have an understanding of how consent can be reinforced, and also highlight the responsibility players hold as role models.
Wellbeing Workshops
During the 2025/26 season the PFA ran wellbeing workshops for all A-Leagues players, as well as the Matildas and Socceroos. The education was designed and delivered by Chris Mordue, a highly regarded psychotherapist who has worked extensively in the UK and Australia. The education focused on the unique stresses of high-performance sport, wellbeing practices and available support.
Physical Support Services
- 532 Skin cancer checks undertaken for players
- 12 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 2025/26 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 2025-26, 153 players accessed a PFA Education Grant.
Industry Induction
102 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
Players took part in skill development workshops that aimed to build skills to support their time in professional football. Topics included:
- Personal Branding
- Financial Management
- Social Media
Recruitment Support
The PFA produced 114 highlights packages for players seeking employment.
Money Management Workshops
All A-Leagues players were invited to four financial management workshops throughout the season.
The workshops were run by former A-League player and co-founder of Australian Money Mentors George Lambadaridis and focused on four topics:
- Making the most of your money
- Buying your first home
- Investing 101
- Tax and insurance for athletes
Key Career Challenges
At the conclusion of the 2025/26 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
PFA Scholarships
Kimon Taliadoros Scholarship
The PFA Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships are awarded to two players who demonstrate excellence in their development off the field, such as through education, business or community involvement. Each scholarship winner is awarded $2,500.
2026 Winners
- Andrew Redmayne
- Francis De Vries
- Cushla Rue
- Emma Robers
Craig Foster Scholarship
The PFA Craig Foster Scholarships are awarded to 2 current or former footballers who have demonstrated a commitment to furthering the objectives of the PFA throughout their playing career and pursuing a post playing career in the media, advocacy or human rights.
2026 Winners
- Josie Wilson
- Chloe Berryhill
"The PFA [Education Grants] were massive...a law degree is not cheap, it can be around 50, 60 thousand dollars. That was a massive help."
Daniel Stynes
Former A-League PlayerRetirement
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. Three players completed work placements during the season:
- Adama Traore
- Michelle Heyman
- Tessell Middag
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. In 2026, former Matilda Sally Shipard was awarded
Coaching Courses
48 players undertook their coaching courses through the PFA, obtaining either an AFC C or B Licence.
PFA Wellbeing & Transition Manager
During the 2025/26 season, the PFA bolstered their Player Development team with the addition of a dedicated Wellbeing and Transition Manager to support off contract and transitioning players.
The focus of the new role was to provide outreach to any player that fell in this category, and connect them of any relevant PFA support services that might be beneficial to them, such as:
- Wellbeing support
- CV & Resume support
- Highlights packages
- Career counselling
In 2025/26, 160 players were supported during their transition.
Past Player Program
Membership of the Past Player program rose to 522. We also continued our past player events with seven held across Australia in the last year.
"Staying in touch with players after they retire and continuing to support us means a lot. When the stadium lights go off, it can sometimes feel like people forget about you, so this kind of support really makes a difference."
Javier Lopez
Former A-League PlayerPlayer Feedback
Before the conclusion of each A-League season, the PFA invites all members to give feedback on the PDP and staff.
In this survey the players shared feedback on all aspects of the program and 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 Player Development Program.
of players were either slightly or extremely satisfied with the PFA.
Key Partners
