The Perth Football League is proud to announce its new partnership with Healthway, aimed at promoting positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the football community for the 2025 season.

As part of this partnership, the new Member Assistance Program (MAP) was launched today. This initiative provides free, confidential counselling to all registered PFL players, coaches, volunteers, and umpires.  

Delivered by Access Wellbeing Services, each member will have access to up to three MAP sessions per year, available in person, over the phone, or online, with 24/7 crisis support available for urgent matters.

This initiative ensures that all PFL members have direct access to professional mental health support to navigate challenges such as stress, anxiety, relationships, and wellbeing in a safe, confidential and private setting

To access the program, members can visit this LINK. 

In addition to the MAP, the Healthway partnership will allow the PFL to promote the Think Mental Health message within clubs and broaden its impact through several new initiatives:

• Club volunteers will be able to complete Mental Health First Aid training at no cost, equipping them to act as wellbeing champions within their club environments.
• A further wave of club volunteers will have the opportunity to undertake structured mental health education, thereby strengthening mental health literacy across the League.
• The League will also work directly with select clubs to encourage positive culture, improve behaviour on game day, and provide education on respectful environments.

PFL CEO Andrew Dawe said the expanded focus represents a significant investment in the health and resilience of the football community.

“We’re proud to be working with Healthway to deliver not just awareness, but real, practical tools for our members and clubs,” he said.

“Whether it’s a confidential counselling session or training a volunteer to support their peers, this program ensures we’re backing our people in as many ways as possible.”

Healthway CEO Colin Smith said the new partnership reflected a shared commitment to making community sport safer, more inclusive, and more connected.

“We’re building strong momentum in mental wellbeing through our partnerships with WA Football League and Country WA, and it’s fantastic to have the PFL join us as well,” Mr Smith said.

“Through these partnerships, we’re helping players, members and the broader football community learn how to take care of their mental health and support one another, both on and off the field.”

More information on upcoming volunteer training opportunities will be shared with clubs in the coming weeks.

For more on the Think Mental Health campaign, visit www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au.