Oct 11,2024
Fear of injury has impacted the mental health of more than two thirds of players in England and Wales, according to a Professional Footballers' Association survey.
A total of 68% out of more than 1,000 male and female PFA members questioned anonymously throughout last season pinpointed the fear as having a major impact on their wellbeing.
A significant injury, particularly among players on fixed short-term contracts, could have a potentially devastating effect on a player’s career and financial prospects in the short and longer term.
The finding comes at a time when the impact of the physical and mental toll of the fixture schedule is in the spotlight.
Prior to suffering a season-ending injury, Manchester City midfielder Rodri had said players were "close" to striking over the workload they face.
The PFA is part of two separate legal challenges against the sport’s global governing body FIFA over what it sees as a lack of consultation over the fixture calendar.
On-pitch performance (45%) and fear of being dropped (41%) were also concerns raised that had an impact on players’ mental health.
"Football is an incredibly insecure career for many of our members," the PFA’s director of player wellbeing Dr Michael Bennett said.
"Players often find themselves employed in a string of what are ultimately very short, insecure contracts.
"For that reason, they can feel as if they have very little control over their futures. What our survey results highlight is that these 'on-pitch’ concerns – like injury and performance – can and do affect footballers’ mental health.
"This exercise is incredibly important to us and allows us to see the person behind the player, and we’re always encouraged that players choose to disclose these concerns with us.
"Being able to track ongoing and emerging well-being concerns helps us tailor our support and also advance important research in the field."
Online abuse was also reported to be a negative factor in mental wellbeing for 28% of those surveyed. Alcohol use (17%) and gambling (15%) were the leading 'non-industry' hazards impacting player wellbeing.
The PFA’s club visits led to a total of 330 wellbeing interventions, the union said, including 60 direct referrals for therapeutic support.
Separately, 530 current and former PFA members received mental health support from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works in partnership with the union to improve wellbeing.
Low mood (24%), addiction (15%), anxiety (13%) and gambling (8%) were among the most common issues facing those attending the clinic.
