As AFL players our time as professional footballers is limited with the average playing career lasting about six years. Considering our contracts are fixed for the first two of these years it doesn’t leave a lot of time to set ourselves up both career-wise and financially.

That is why the AFL Players’ Association Player Development Program places a huge emphasis on a successful transition into and out of the game.

The transition starts when we are drafted with a two day Induction Camp introducing us to the AFL Players’ Association and it gives us a snapshot of what life will be like as an AFL player.

Computer grants are available when entering the system to encourage us to purchase a laptop to assist with our football and education.

Throughout our first year, players undertake an induction course called the Football Apprenticeship which is TAFE accredited. It’s a year-long course which teaches us life skills (managing money, nutrition, first aid etc) and introduces us to the world of footy (media training, skills and tactics and game development).

We then have the opportunity the following year to continue this study right through to Diploma level. It’s a great way to set a foundation for learning and provides the balance we need to cope with the demands of AFL Football, not to mention prepare us for life after footy.

After these first two years we have the opportunity to engage in any TAFE or tertiary course we prefer, all subsidised by the Players’ Association.

If study is not a preference then a choice of work placements, coaching, media and recruiting placement programs are available.

At the end of our career the support provided takes a direct one-on-one approach. Player Development Regional Managers at the Association meet with all of the 120 or so players who retire or get delisted each year. These meetings assist us to determine what the next step is with our transition from life as an AFL player to pursuing a 9 to 5 career.

Player Development Regional Managers are the key people for any player unsure what their next step is, or to help guide players who have a clear understanding of what career they would like to pursue.

Their details are below:

• Brett Johnson - brettjohnson@aflpa.com.au – Carlton, Richmond, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Hawthorn and St.Kilda football clubs.
• Claire Mitchell-Taverner - claire@aflpa.com.au – Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney Swans, Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne and Melbourne football clubs.
• John Hinge - johnhinge@aflpa.com.au - Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, West Coast, Collingwood and Essendon football clubs.

 

Education & Training Grants

AFL players can access Education and Training Grants which help subsidize our University or Tertiary study. Often courses offered by Universities can be costly, so it’s great to know the Grants are available.

Past Players can also access the Education and Training Grants for the three years following retirement or delistment and a past Rookie has one year’s access to the Grants.

CHANGES FOR 2012

• We encourage players to organise and begin their study before sending in their application.
• There will only be two rounds of applications in 2012. The first application needs to be in by July 6 along with results and a receipt. The application will be assessed and reimbursed accordingly.
• The second application needs to be submitted no later than October 5 along with results and receipts. Once again the application will be assessed and reimbursed accordingly.

To access the Grant you just need to download the current Education and Training Grant Form and send it into the Players' Association. The Approvals Board will then consider the application and advise of approval or otherwise.  Once approved you need to submit your receipts, certificates or University results (depending on what you are claiming for) by no later than 31 December of the year of your approved Grant as you won’t be able to claim after this date.

ALWAYS pay your HECS up front so you have a receipt you can send in to the PA - don't defer that cost.

For further information regarding the grant process make sure you read the Education & Training Grant Criteria available on the website or contact Jennifer Ashton – Jennifer@aflpa.com.au

Computer Grants

AFL players are encouraged to purchase a laptop to assist with their football and studies so PA Computer Grants are available to current AFL players once per player. To apply for a Grant, download the Application Form and submit it with your computer receipts to receive your allocation.

3RD Party Payment Form 2012.pdf

Computer Grant Application 2012.pdf

ET Grant Application 2012.pdf

Media Mentors

To access the forms for the Media Mentor Program click the link below.

Media Mentor Application 2012

Business Mentors

To access the forms for the Business Mentor Program click the link below.

Business Mentor Application 2012

Next Coach Program

To access the application form for the Next Coach Program click the link below.

2012 Next Coach Application Form