Anxiety, stress & depression
Support when thoughts, pressure or low mood begin to feel difficult to carry alone.
CONFIDENTIAL PLAYER SUPPORT
You don’t have
to be in crisis
to ask for help.
Whatever is going on—in football, at home or in your own head—you can speak confidentially with an experienced professional through your PFA NI membership.
Completely confidentialYour conversations remain private.
Fully funded by PFA NIQuote PFA NI when booking.
Contact directlyNo need to go through your club.
WHAT WE CAN SUPPORT
Whatever you’re
carrying, bring it.
There is no “right” reason to speak to someone. Support can begin before something becomes a crisis, and it can be shaped around what you need.
Life inside football
A confidential space to talk about performance pressure, injury, selection and uncertainty.
Life after football
Help navigating identity, retirement, career change and the transition beyond playing.
Relationships & family
Professional support for challenges at home, communication and important relationships.
Addiction & harmful habits
Non-judgemental support for gambling, alcohol, substances or behaviours causing concern.
Simply needing to talk
You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis. Sometimes saying things out loud is the first step.
YOUR SUPPORT TEAM
Choose who feels
right for you.
You can contact Melissa or Steven directly and confidentially. Quote “PFA NI” when booking so eligible sessions are not charged to you.
INTEGRATIVE THERAPYBACP INTEGRATIVE THERAPIST
Melissa
McAllister
Melissa offers a safe, non-judgemental space and a flexible approach combining evidence-based therapeutic techniques around each player’s individual needs.
MENTAL HEALTH LIFE COACHINGCERTIFIED MENTAL HEALTH LIFE COACH
Steven
Millar
Steven brings professional training and more than 20 years of lived experience, supporting players with mindset, emotional focus and complex mental health challenges.
HOW IT WORKS
A quiet first step.
No fuss.
You stay in control of how you access support. Your club does not need to arrange it.
- 01
Choose your contact
Contact Melissa, Steven, Howard or PFA NI privately.
- 02
Quote PFA NI
This confirms funded member sessions where applicable.
- 03
Arrange a suitable time
Agree the timing directly with your chosen support contact.
AROUND THE GAME
A trusted presence
in football.
Alongside specialist counselling, PFA NI works with Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland. Chaplains are present around clubs and changing rooms, offering confidential pastoral, mental wellbeing and spiritual support without judgement.
Learn about Sports Chaplaincy ↗
SPORTS CHAPLAINCY IRELAND
Howard
Beverland
A former Irish League player with more than 400 appearances, Howard is a professionally trained mental health and wellbeing coach for individuals and families. He understands the pressures players face on and off the pitch.
FIFPRO PLAYER RESOURCES
Learn. Listen.
Start talking.
Trusted mental wellbeing information and real player experiences from FIFPRO, the global players’ union.
WATCH
Mental health in football
A practical conversation about recognising pressure, speaking up and supporting the people around you.
URGENT HELP
If you need help
right now.
PFA NI counselling is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are in distress or despair, the services alongside are available now.
START A CONVERSATION
You are not alone.
Help is here.
If you are unsure who to contact, PFA NI can help you take the next step discreetly and without judgement.