Professional Footballers Australia’s 2023/2024 Player Development Program Report highlights continued growth in mental health and education support

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Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) have released their annual Player Development Program (PDP) Report for 2023/2024.

This is an overall summary of the achievements and breakdown of data form the PFA  Programs with recognition of their important figures and feedback.

Established by the PFA in 2013, the PDP is the PFA’s approach to player development. The PDP is supported by the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) between the PFA, on behalf of the players, the Australian Professional Leagues and Football Australia.

Jackson Irvine, current Socceroo and PFA President sets the tone of the PFA mission.

“I firmly believe in the importance of footballers balancing their careers on the pitch with pursuits and interests off it. Personally, I’ve always felt that my identity and passions extend beyond football, enabling me to maintain a healthy balance off the field and be well-prepared for the inevitable transition after I hang up my boots.”

The Program’s overall objectives cover the 3 program sections of supporting players in their Career, Wellbeing and Retirement.

These objectives are:

  1. To deliver high quality, evidence-based programs and services to ensure that players have access to the best education, information and practical skill building.
  2. Empowering players to ensure a successful transition and retirement into a meaningful and fulfilling life.
  3. To ensure the connection between players, the PFA and the game continues beyond their retirement as a player.
  4. Establishing and foster industry commitment and awareness of player development.

Career:

This program is to ensure players develop an understanding of the industry, including their rights and responsibilities while transitioning into new environments in professional football.

Some of the resulting data includes:

  • 203 Education grants provided to players.
  • 211 players undertook PDP induction.
  • 435 A-Leagues players attended PFA skill development workshops.
  • 47 National Team players attended a financial education, tax and superannuation workshop.

Wellbeing

Player’s wellbeing has been the most evident growing part of the PDP.

The PFA PDP provides players access to a variety of programs and services to support their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Through the PFA’s Mental Health Referral Network players and family members have been able to get confidential access to a selection psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists.

Through then PFA’s new partnership with Sporting Chance Clinic UK the PFA can now deliver UK base Clinical support for players in the European leagues.

This network has been used to fight the many wellbeing areas in need of support

Some of these involve:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship breakdown
  • Addiction
  • Grief
  • Body issues
  • Performance anxiety

The PFA has recorded that 1,082 Confidential counselling sessions were provided to players in the 23/24 season.

A massive increase if you compared to just 773 sessions in the 22/23 season and 141 in 20/21 season.

Rita Mankowska, the PFA Head of Player Development, comments: “The new partnership with UK-based Sporting Chance Clinic will enhance the PFA’s mental health services available to players based overseas.

“The new partnership will positively impact over 150 of the PFA’s overseas based members and their partners, granting them access to receive emotional or mental health support by accredited expert practitioners in European-friendly time zones.”

Also, within the Wellbeing Program there has been:

  • 10 GameReady recovery machines provided to players to support their recovery from injury.
  • 30 Heart Health, Concussion and Skin Cancer Checks for Past Players.
  • 45 Skin Cancer Checks for National Team Players.
  • 115 players that undertook concussion, betting and match fixing education.

Retirement

A source of immense pressure for players in their relatively short careers is their eventual retirement opportunities.

The PFA focuses on fully preparing players for their eventual retirement by exploring post football careers and incentivising off field development and education.

In this season:

  • 150 players joined the PFA Past Player Program.
  • 18 past player events held across most major cities including 6 Women’s World Cup special events.
  • 76 players attended PFA centralised coaching courses.
  • 16 players entered the PFA x Deloitte Salesforce Career Training Program.

Before the conclusion of each A-League season, the PFA invited all members to give feedback on the PFA PDP and staff.

The result of this review is a massive success:

  • 97% of players were either slightly or extremely satisfied with the PDP.
  • 97% satisfaction of PFA skill development workshops.
  • 97% satisfaction of PFA education grants.
  • 95% satisfaction of the PFA’s Mental Health Referral Network.

These results solidify the healthy support the PFA receives in their effective programs and integral place in the Australian Footballing framework.

The PFA’s expansion into the UK with their Mental Health Referral Network also indicates their drive for expansion and still delivering top quality support for Australians who want to follow a career overseas.

This Player Development Program shows great promise and a rewarding metric for the PFA to try and exceed in the coming 2024/25 season.

You can read the PDP Report 2024 in full by visiting the link here.

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Inter Academy expands operations into two major Australian cities

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Image Credit: Inter Academy

FC Internazionale Milano announced last week that their academy network has expanded into Sydney and Adelaide. The projects will be implemented alongside Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) in Lewisham, NSW and with semi-professional club, Adelaide Blue Eagles. 

 

A milestone for all parties

The announcement marks another impressive development for Inter Academy, which continues to expand its global network of elite training academies across the globe. 

With bases already established in Canada, Chile, Turkey, Italy and more, the club has now extended its operations and expertise to Australia. With activities set to commence in April in Sydney and Adelaide, the new partnerships will seek to embolden and progress football development across New South Wales and South Australia.

 The organisation expressed their pride at the newly-forged partnerships, outlining several factors which the project will bring. 

“FC Internazionale Milano is pleased to announce the opening of Inter Academy Sydney and Inter Academy Adelaide, extending the Nerrazzuri project to Australia,” the club said via social media announcement. 

“The two new Inter Academies in Australia will offer a football development programme based on Inter Academy’s training methodology, while also focusing on the personal growth of the players.” 

The alliance indicates an exciting future for the rising stars looking to link up with the academy programmes, as well as for the coaches and local clubs eager to gain insight into how this European powerhouse operates. 

It is an immense milestone for all involved. On one hand, Inter can help develop a nation of passionate and eager young footballers looking for a quality football education. On the other, coaches and professionals across Sydney and Adelaide now have access to the expertise and training methods of the most decorated football academy in Italy. 

 

Who will partner with Inter Academy? 

Inter Academy Sydney and Inter Academy Adelaide will both collaborate with local organisations, with whom their values and passion for the game are shared. 

Christian Brothers High School Lewisham

Inter Academy Sydney will receive the backing of Christian Brothers High School (CBHS) Lewisham, an educational institution with over 100 years of history in Sydney’s western suburbs.

While academic excellence is highly valued, the school strives to provide its students with an experience built on meaningful relationships, discovering passions, and building confidence. 

Adelaide Blue Eagles

On the other hand, Inter Academy Adelaide will work in conjunction with semi-professional club, Adelaide Blue Eagles (Azzurri Sports Club). 

Founded in 1958 (with inaugural members hailing from Italy), the club has grown into both a successful sporting organisation and a cornerstone of the community. The club is committed to nurturing talented boys and girls in the area through the Elite Eagles Academy. 

 

Balancing the player and the person

It is evident why Inter Milan wanted to strike up partnerships with CBHS and the Adelaide Blue Eagles. Whether on the pitch or in the classroom, these institutions dedicate themselves to achieving excellence. 

All three parties refuse to compromise on providing an environment in which players and students can develop as people. Brand and Marketing Director of Inter Milan, Luca Adornato, also emphasised the importance of building such partnerships on common values. 

“Opening these two academies in Australia represents an important step in the global growth of our project,” Adornato said via official press release.

“There is huge potential in collaboration with CBHS Lewisham in Sydney and Adelaide Blue Eagles in Adelaide. Both partners share our commitment to the development of youth sports and we are pleased to embark on this journey together.”

Although Inter Academy holds an outstanding reputation in the football world for its elite sporting standards and achievements, it refuses to compromise on developing the person behind the player. This holistic approach, in which footballing excellence comes hand-in-hand with personal growth, will be of immense value to the future generations across Sydney and Adeliade seeking to join the programmes. 

 

Connecting Australian talent with European pathways

Inter Academy joins an extensive list of European clubs including Juventus, Olympiacos and CF Villarreal who have established academies and football programs in Australia. Primarily operating in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, these programs help connect coaches and young players in Australia with the expertise and training methods of Europe’s elite.

By forging partnerships of this nature and bringing their expertise into local communities, we can bridge the gap between Australian talent and the world stage.

When given the opportunities to perform, Aussies continue to receive the plaudits. Whether we look at Antonio Arena scoring on his debut for AS Roma at just 16 years-old, or Mo Touré scoring a hatrick on his first start for Norwich City FC in the English Championship, Australia is clearly able to produce players of the highest quality.

Therefore, as Inter Milan begins to implement academy programs in Sydney and Adelaide, the future looks bright for players and coaches seeking elite footballing educations.

The passion and talent is here in abundance. All it needs is the leadership and environment to grow.

 

 

Clifton Hill FC Set for New Era as Pavilion Upgrade Nears Completion

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Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Community football in Melbourne’s inner north is set for a major boost, with Clifton Hill FC preparing to usher in a new chapter following the redevelopment of its pavilion at Quarries Park.

The upgraded facility, delivered with support from Yarra City Council, is expected to significantly enhance the matchday and training experience for players, families, and volunteers while supporting the club’s continued growth.

A long awaited upgrade for Clifton Hill FC

Club President Michael Tyrikos said the redevelopment represents a long-awaited milestone for the grassroots club.

“We’ve been waiting close to 10 years for this,” Tyrikos told SoccerScene. “I’ve been involved with the club for over two decades and improving the facilities has always been a major goal for us.”

The new pavilion replaces previously limited amenities, with the club formerly operating with just two change rooms and minimal communal space. The upgraded facility will provide modern change rooms, social areas, and improved spectator amenities.

Supporting growth in participation

Tyrikos explained the redevelopment will be particularly significant in supporting participation growth, including the club’s expanding girls’ program.

“Previously, we only had two change rooms, which made it difficult as our girls’ program continued to grow,” he said. “Now players can feel comfortable using proper facilities with access to showers and dedicated spaces, which is something we simply didn’t have before.”

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

Beyond player development, the pavilion is also expected to strengthen the club’s role as a community hub. The addition of indoor social spaces will allow families to engage more closely with the club environment, particularly during Melbourne’s winter months.

“Parents can now sit inside and watch games, and we can finally host club events, kids’ parties, and social gatherings,” Tyrikos said. “Before, we just didn’t have the capacity to bring people together like that.”

A new era at Quarries Park

Tyrikos also acknowledged the broader infrastructure improvements delivered alongside the pavilion redevelopment, including new lighting towers and an upgraded playing surface, highlighting the importance of council support in driving the project forward.

Clifton Hill FC is hopeful the new pavilion will be operational in time for its anticipated first home fixture scheduled for mid-May, marking the beginning of a new era for the community-focused club.

Image Credit: One-Nil Media

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