The PFA’s wellbeing programs aim to enhance players’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health before, during, and after their playing career. The PFA provides professional support through our Mental Health Referral Service, a wellbeing education program and physical and medical support services.

PFA Members have access to a variety of wellbeing programs and services designed to provide critical support in times of need but also to assist them in dealing with the demands of professional sport both on and off the pitch.

Confidential Counselling

PFA Members can access confidential counselling and psychological support services – provided by The Mind Room – to assist in dealing with a variety of challenges they may be facing, including:

Addiction
Anxiety
Body Issues
Performance Anxiety
Depression
Relationship Breakdown

To access the PFA’s counselling or psychological services, members can contact The Mind Room via phone (03 9495 6261) or email (hello@themindroom.com.au). Members can also contact their Player Development Manager who will arrange a referral.

If you need immediate crisis support, members can contact Lifeline 24 hours a day at 13 11 14.

“Knowing it was confidential made me confident enough to ask for help from the PFA”

Current A-Leagues Player

Physical Wellbeing Support

To ensure players are supported to maintain peak physical health so they can perform at their best and protect members from long-term health risk, the PFA provides the following services to players:

  • Medical support and screenings
  • Pre and post contract medicals
  • Income protection
  • Career ending insurance
  • GameReady injury recovery devices

Concussion

Concussion remains an emerging area for professional player unions.

Players, clubs and officials must adhere to Football Australia’s concussion policy. The policy covers the assessment process of concussions within matches, the removal of players from play, appropriate medical assessment, recovery and return to play protocols.

It is important to note that the PFA must be consulted on the concussion policy but it is not collectively bargained.

To learn more about head injury and concussion and how the PFA advocates for your health and safety, complete the wellbeing module of the PDP Online, by clicking here.

Financial Hardship

The PFA Special Assistance Fund is designed to support eligible current or a former professional footballers who may require financial assistance or other support to help overcome a major personal difficulty, within or outside the game.

The PFA Special Assistance Fund can provide access to:

  • financial support;
  • elite medical treatment and referrals;
  • legal counsel;
  • or specialist counselling services.

Contact your Player Development Manager for more information on financial wellbeing and support.