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Player Development Program  
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Overview

In 1999, player feedback highlighted the need to promote and support the personal development of players off the field, both during their football careers and in the years immediately following their retirement.

To address this need, the AFLPA established a network of personal support and development services throughout Australia, for all AFL players. All services offered to players fall under the umbrella of the AFLPA Player Development Program (PDP).   Click here for a full chart of services 

The program has been designed to focus on all aspects of a player’s development, including education and training, welfare and retirement issues. As a result, all areas of the program are linked to ensure that each player maximises their involvement and has access to the full range of services available.

AFLPA Commitment

The AFLPA commits over $1.5 million each year to the Personal Services, Career Transition Services, Indigenous Support Program and Education & Training programs under the AFLPA Player Development Program.

Players in the public eye

The public and media often portray professional athletes as roles models and/or celebrities. Professional athletes frequently are in the public spotlight and may be targeted by the public or their mistakes can be highlighted in the media.

As part of the AFL Players’ Association ‘Player Development Program’, the AFLPA has developed a number of proactive programs and support services to assist players in making better-informed choices when faced with situations that potentially involve high-risk behaviours.

Proactive Programs


Induction Camp – held in conjunction with the AFL for newly drafted players. This 1 ½ day camp covers a number of topics including:

  • AFL Players and the Law
  • Family Planning
  • Gambling
  • Drink Driving
  • Speeding
  • Anti-Doping
  • Cross-Cultural Awareness 
  • Racial Vilification

Up to eight workshops are made available to players through the club including:

  • Risky Business
  • AFL Players and the Law
  • Family Planning
  • Financial Structuring
  • Cross-Cultural Awareness Program
  • Media Training
  • Public Speaking/Presentations Skills
  • Working with Children (clinics)

The AFL provides compulsory workshops on:

  • Gambling
  • Anti-doping Policy
  • Racial Vilificaion and Harassment

The Workshops aim to address these activities from the perspective of:

  • Positive enforcement of appropriate behaviours
  • Short and long term health effects
  • Effect on athletic performance
  • Peer influence on social behaviour
  • The consequences of the public and media spotlight (role models)
  • Where players can get advice and/or assistance

Support Services

  • PlayerAssist, a 24-7 confidential help line for players to seek advice. The help line is managed by registered psychologists
  • Personal and specialist counselling, confidential advice from registered psychologists
  • Financial structuring advice
  • Career Transition Program, for recently retired and de-listed players
  • Men’s Health and Family Planning, confidential advice from registered health professionals

If you require any further information please contact the AFLPA’s General Manager - Player Development Steve Alessio on (03) 9926 1344 or e-mail info@aflpa.com.au

Click here for a full chart of services.

 The AFLPA PDP Team

 Alessio

Steve Alessio - GM Player Development

 grange

Pippa Grange - Psychology Services Manager

ralph

Ralph White - Indigenous Programs Coordinator

 Gillian Tan

Gillian Tan - Career & Education Manager

 jess

Jessica Fairchild - PDP Coordinator

Mark Porter

 Mark Porter - Transition Services Manager

tallis

Rayden Tallis - Career Transition Coordinator

 

 
   

06 Induc 2

Young Bombers at the 06 Induction Camp

synes_mcwha

Port Adelaide's Brad Symes with University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor & President Professor James McWha 

06 Induc 3

AFLPA CEO Brendon Gale at the 06 Induction Camp

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icon_pdf.gif Player Development Program Poster 1MB



 
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Last modified Friday 31 August 2007 14:39