Support and Independent Advice
Age specific support
Premier League Support Resources
Independent Advice
We pride ourselves on the quality of the Academy system and we are committed to ensuring that Academy Players, trialists, parents and carers gain the right advice and support. An important aspect of this is the independent advice provided, for young people and their parents, by The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Youth Advisory Service. The PFA also provide a confidential service for young players called the PFA Safety Net.
PFA Safety Net
Helping young players with the challenges of playing academy football. Register to access confidential advice, support & videos here.
PFA Youth Advisory Service
Signing for an academy is an exciting opportunity for any child and their family, but it’s also an introduction to the highly competitive, complex nature of football. The PFA is not affiliated with leagues, clubs or governing bodies, so they can provide accurate, free and impartial information about the academy system and what it entails.
The PFA Independent Youth Advisory Service can offer Academy Players, Trialists and their families advice about:
• Premier League & English Football League Youth Development Rules.
• Academy Registrations.
• Academy Inductions.
• Contractual Offers.
• Football Association and FIFA Regulations.
• Scholarship Offers • End-of-Season Procedures and Requesting Release.
• Compensation, Time and Distance Rules and Regulations.
• Player Development, Including Coaching and Education Rules.
• Player Welfare.
• Intermediary / Agent.
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) is the union for all current and former footballers and scholars in the Premier League, the FA Women’s Super League and the English Football Leagues.
The PFA team provide the information, advice and support current, former and future players need to help maximise the opportunities that come with playing professional football.
As the only football organisation that solely prioritises players’ needs, the PFA offers a variety of educational, financial and wellbeing support services. The union also protects and enhances players’ rights and working conditions and helps footballers navigate personal or professional challenges throughout their playing careers and beyond.
Email: youthadvisory@thepfa.co.uk
Phone: 0161 236 0575
