The PFA, NIFL & The Irish Football Association have come together to launch a Player Support Group aimed at supporting players suffering from addiction throughout the Northern Ireland Football League.

Together, Aaron Traynor, Aaron Hogg, Matthew Snoddy and Michael Ruddy have came forward with their stories about gambling in the hope it will help other players also come forward to receive support.

We recently worked with Ulster University to produce a survey that delves deeper into the behaviours of players throughout the leagues. The report found that 13% of players are in a serious risk zone with their gambling, compare this to 3% of the general population and it makes for quite worrying thought.

The PFA hope more players will come forward. The long term plan is to bring players to schools and academies to speak about their lived experience to act as a preventative mentorship.

Anyone that is currently struggling can reach out to any of the Player Support Group and they will support them privately and confidentially. You can listen to a recent podcast with the guys below

Gambling Survey Announcement

The survey, constructed by Dr Paul Kitchin at Ulster University give real insight into the habits of players throughout the Men and Women’s game.

Our CEO Michael Carvill was recently interviewed by FIFPRO on his thoughts on the gambling and subsequent Mental Health challenges that players face in their careers.
You can read Michael’s interview here

Big Step Campaign

Alongside our work with the Player Support Group we have also teamed up with Declan Creggan from Gambling With Lives. The work Declan and his colleagues do on the ground with schools and associations is hugely beneficial.

GWL recenly launched their Big Step Campaign which The PFA fully endorse. We feel for far too long gambling organisations have targeted those vulnerable from gambling and had free reign over the airwaves and television channels. The advertisement breaks during all major sporting events are saturated with gambling advertisements. This needs to be regulated and brought into line with other industries such as tobacco and alcohol.

We were pleased to organise a recent Five-a-Side tournament at Stormont Pavillion bringing together other associations and government representatives from both NI and ROI. You can read more about the day here

Stormont Five-a-side Tournament

For more help and guidance including info on our link with Gamban go here

To speak with our Player Support Group you can contact the players directly or text 07736967878