Player wellbeing programs receive a significant boost as Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) announces a service agreement with Relationships Australia.
One of Australia’s leading providers of support services the agreement will enable PFA Members to access invaluable resources.
Experts in assisting elite athletes in coping with the demands associated with sport Relationships Australia have worked with the top athletes across the country.
Under the terms of the agreement PFA Members will be provided with confidential support funded by the PFA in a number of areas including:
- counselling services
- performance and general anxiety
- developing positive and respectful relationships
- transition education
- critical incident response
PFA National Development Manager Ben Robertson said the agreement was an integral part of ensuring the wellbeing of players through ‘world class’ programs.
“Professional football is a career that can come with a great deal of uncertainty and pressure,” said Robertson.
“As a result of this players can suffer with a variety issues that can have a significant impact on their lives both during and after their playing careers.
“With this mind it was vital that the PFA secured an agreement with a service provider that had an indepth understanding of the demands that come with elite sport.
“Relationships Australia has consistently demonstrated this through their work with the country’s leading Cricketers and the PFA is certain that this will be the case with footballers.”
Relationships Australia Senior Manager Danny Hortense said the organisation was eager to play a role in ensuring the wellbeing of the country’s elite footballers.
“Elite sport is like few other careers and through our work with athletes we have gained an indepth understanding of the pressures and potential difficulties athletes can face,” said Hortense.
“This will enable us to play a significant role in providing services that ensure the wellbeing of footballers on and off the pitch.”
