The Premier League is taking the lead on ensuring the wellbeing of players in its clubs' Academies, as well as investing in the welfare of young players at English Football League (EFL) clubs.
Since Season 2017/18, the Premier League has run two development programmes within Academies to support U16 players and young professionals who are without a contract for the next season.
Each programme delivers an elite training experience that provides players with football and elite performance preparation, personal development workshops and guidance on their next steps inside and outside of football.
In Season 2021/22, these programmes were expanded to collaborate with the EFL and support more players in the U16 to U21 age groups.
A three-year commitment of aftercare support has been put in place for all players released from clubs for the professional development phase (U17 to U21 age groups).
This includes guidance on further and higher education opportunities, careers advice, alumni networks and the provision of mental and emotional wellbeing support.
As of Season 2022/23, there is a requirement for all Academies to have a full-time member of staff responsible for player care. To enable EFL clubs to fulfil this requirement, the Premier League is providing £2 million per season to help fund the staff salaries.
The Premier League's Futures Programme is a new 12-month programme for current and former Academy players with the aim of supporting careers in football beyond playing the game.
The programme was launched in May 2022 with an initial pilot cohort of eight men and four women, all formerly part of Premier League, EFL or WSL Academies and aged 18 to 23.
The programme also has a specific focus on improving the diversity of the workforce.
