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Support for players can spark a ‘lifelong desire for learning’ – Gareth Farrelly
The new Chair of The Players Foundation, Gareth Farrelly, says the right support and guidance will allow ex-professional footballers to find their own path to a second career, and hopefully excel in their chosen area. ‘The thing with The Players Foundation is knowing that there’s somebody who will listen, relate, and hopefully provide advice or…
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Sporting Chance and The Players Foundation announce plans for new research hub
Sporting Chance has teamed up with The Players Foundation to establish a new research hub, dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of professional footballers and elite athletes across a wide range of sports. Sporting Chance was set up in 2000 by the former Arsenal and England captain, Tony Adams MBE, and is the main provider of…
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‘Student Living Grants are vital for players’ futures’ – Foundation CEO
A week after The Players Foundation launched the second round of Student Living Expenses Grants, the charity has already received a high number of applications. The grants are aimed at supporting former professional footballers and scholars who are making the move into full-time university education, by helping to alleviate the financial burden of day-to-day living…
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Foundation announces new round of applications for Student Living Grants
Applications open today (September 1st) for The Players Foundation’s Student Living Expenses Grant, aimed at supporting former professional footballers and scholars who are making the move into full-time university education. The grant will help alleviate the financial burden of basic living costs, including rent, utilities and food, so that beneficiaries can fully engage in their…
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‘It can be daunting looking for a new career’ – Craig Dundas, Sutton United legend
Craig Dundas made more than 400 appearances during four spells with Sutton United. At the age of 40, Craig became the oldest player to make his English Football League debut since the Second World War when he appeared for Sutton against Stevenage in 2021. These days, Craig is plying his trade at Epsom and Ewell…
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‘It’s incredible to see so many female professional footballers’ – Ellen White
England’s record goal scorer, Ellen White MBE, has been reflecting on the huge growth of the women’s professional game and the importance of providing the right guidance for players at every level. Ellen was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum in Manchester, at an event supported by The Players…
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Gareth Farrelly elected as Foundation’s new Chair
The Board of Trustees at The Players Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Farrelly as the charity’s new Chair. Gareth succeeds the Foundation’s long-serving Chair, Brendon Batson OBE, who’s term of office has come to an end. Three other trustees have also completed their terms and have stepped down – Garth Crooks…
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Foundation supports new Hall of Fame gallery at the National Football Museum
The National Football Museum’s new Hall of Fame gallery has been created in partnership with The Players Foundation and celebrates the icons, pioneers and legends who have defined English football. The new gallery in Manchester, which officially opened to the public last week, features rare and unseen objects from a host of Hall of Fame…
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‘Asking for help can be the biggest issue for some ex-players’ – David Harrison
The Chief Executive of The Players Foundation, David Harrison, has been reflecting on the challenges that professional footballers face when they leave the game, and the crucial role that the charity plays in providing support and advice. In his first interview since his appointment in February, David stressed the importance of collaboration with stakeholders throughout…
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Foundation CEO delighted by strong response to summer holiday grants
With applications now closed for the Summer Holiday Essentials fund, just under 100 ex-players have received grants from The Players Foundation to support their families with the cost of living. The fund was launched at the beginning of April to provide support to current and former professional footballers who are experiencing financial hardship and required…
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New summer grant is ‘brilliant’ for players who need support – Andy Liddell
Andy Liddell, the current Fitness Coach at Preston North End and former Beneficiary Liaison Officer at The Players Foundation, has hailed the charity’s new summer grant offer as a ‘massive development.’ Andy has huge experience as a player, having made over 600 appearances in the Premier League and EFL for clubs including Barnsley, Wigan Athletic…
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Applications now open for the Summer Holiday Essentials 2026
The Players Foundation is delighted to announce that applications open today (April 1st) for the new Summer Holiday Essentials Fund 2026 and will remain open until May 31st. The fund has been launched to provide support to current and former professional footballers who are experiencing financial hardship and meet the Foundation’s qualifying criteria. The fund…
