What is Player Development?
Player Development refers to the off field or nonplaying endeavours of Players. It includes individual development across educational, vocational, financial and professional domains, as well as psychosocial supports and life skills. Player Development is supported in the context of managing the demands of professional sport.
AFL and AFLPA Wellbeing and Player Development Gathering
Every year, the AFL and AFLPA host the Wellbeing and Player Development Gathering for over 150 wellbeing staff. The purpose of the Gathering is to provide an opportunity for Player Development and Wellbeing Staff across the AFL to come together for an industry wide professional development event to share, connect and collaborate. Focusing on key themes and topics, the Gathering allows for ideas to be explored, connections to be made, and builds pathways of work. Invitees includes:
- AFL and AFLW Club PDMs
- Indigenous PDMs
- AFL and AFLW Club Psychologists
- AFLPA Regional Managers
- AFL Talent Wellbeing Coordinators
Best Practice Guidance in Player Development
Drawing on research undertaken by the Mental Health and Wellbeing team and the broader research literature, guidance to support best practice in Player Development for AFLW Players has been developed. This includes the AFLW Player Development: Principles of Best Practice, that aims to guide the off-field activities of AFLW, taking into consideration the unique needs of AFLW players, and guidance on the scope of practice of PDMs in the AFLW.
