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The Safety Net

Introducing the support service set up by ex-pros Lee and Nick Richardson that’s helping young players face up to the mental challenges of the professional game.

Stress is not the enemy. Not always, anyway. Moderate stress triggers our sense of urgency, pushes us to train harder or bust a gut to reach the ball first in the heat of a game. But too much stress can be disastrous for confidence, performance and even mental health – especially when felt by young players.

These days aspiring footballers are exposed to more stress than ever. The stakes of the game are higher than they’ve ever been – and not just in terms of money. Even at academy level players are sometimes subjected to intense media scrutiny, off the field as well as on it. Losing form, slipping up in your personal life, or finding yourself among the majority of youngsters who don’t get a professional deal are all major causes of stress. And the list of potential pitfalls seems to be growing all the time.

Here to Help

That’s partly why the PFA has invested in a programme of support that mainly targets young players aged between 9-21. The Safety Net is an online resource with helpful information, videos and opportunities to contact counsellors. Some of the content is presented in cartoon strip formats to make the messages clear and memorable – especially for visual learners.

“The independent advice service offers somewhere young players can look at what challenges and obstacles will be placed in their path while they’re in the academy system,” says PFA Deputy Chief Executive John Bramhall. “It highlights the physical and technical challenges young players may encounter, as well as the social and psychological demands of a competitive environment.”

Ideas Man

The idea for the Safety Net was raised initially by ex-Chesterfield boss and trained psychologist Lee Richardson. He recognised the increasing strains on players – everything from missing out on contracts to relationship troubles – and that many players feel low or suffer from depression as a result.

Lee is well-placed to offer insights. He currently works for Lancashire Country Cricket Club offering sport psychology help and was previously in Sam Allardyce’s West Ham backroom staff. He has counselled many players experiencing difficulties, working alongside the PFA’s team of experts up and down the country.

“The Safety Net is a psycho-educational resource,” he explains. “It can be used by a number of players who don’t have any serious issues, but might have one or two questions or concerns. That’s its great strength.” Players can login to access support and diagnostic tools that help them understand their feelings and the extent of their issues.

One-Stop Shop

The project has brought the ex-Aberdeen and Oldham Athletic midfielder into partnership with his brother Nick, another former pro turned IT and education expert. Together they provide the technology and content aimed at easing concerns of young players.

Nick adds: “We see it as a one-stop shop. If they still have questions they can get pathways where they might seek more specific help. Ultimately, there is contact directly from someone within the website.”

The Richardson’s hope the scheme can eventually be expanded to support an even greater range of players. And those over the age of 16 signing in securely can email their concerns to advisors who will offer support and advice in strict confidence.

Stronger Together

The key message is ‘you are not alone’. Every player experiences lows and it’s important to put these into perspective. Just because you’re down does not necessarily mean you are depressed, though it’s important to recognise signs of deeper problems. The hope is that the Safety Net will provide vital assistance, regardless of where you sit on the spectrum of mental challenges.

The scheme is now an integral element of the PFA’s wellbeing activities and offers information on serious issues, including suicide. In the wake of Clarke Carlisle’s brave decision to speak openly about an attempt to take his own life, such topics can now be more easily addressed and support accessed more readily.

Parental Guidance

As an additional safeguard, the Safety Net website is accessible to parents as well as aspiring players. That’s to help demystify some of the issues around life in academies and what is expected of young players, says John Bramhall: “The fall-out rate is so high in academies that we’re trying to communicate to players ‘you’re here now – enjoy it. However long your experience lasts, enjoy it.”