THE EMERGENCE OF PLAYER CARE

Introduction

In the world of professional football, the focus on the care of players and athletes has evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days when success on the pitch was solely determined by physical prowess and tactical acumen. Today, Player Care is ever-increasingly recognised for its importance for maintaining a happy and healthy player off the pitch as a critical component in achieving success on it. But where has it all come from? In this blog, we will delve into the history of Player Care in football clubs, highlighting the introduction and rise in popularity of Player Liaison Officers in the world of football.

The Early Days

In the traditional football system, Player Care bore little resemblance to the comprehensive support systems we now see today. During the early eras, the sport was predominantly fixated on simply winning matches. The sole measure of success rested in the results achieved on the pitch, and any attention directed towards the personal lives of the players themselves was a mere afterthought. There was very little emphasis or questions at this stage that perhaps Player Care away from the pitch could be mutually beneficial for the results achieved on it.

In those early days, players found themselves in a rather precarious situation when it came to managing their non-football-related matters. They were left to navigate the complexities of life outside the game with limited assistance or guidance from their respective clubs. Crucial aspects of their personal lives, such as finding suitable accommodation, addressing family-related issues, and devising financial plans, were largely the sole responsibility of the players themselves.

Accommodation, for instance, was often a matter of personal initiative, with players having to secure their own lodgings, often without the convenience of a club-provided support system, which was particularly hard for younger players and during the less-lucrative era. Family matters, including the integration of loved ones into a new environment or dealing with familial challenges, were typically left for the player to resolve independently. Additionally, financial planning, which is now recognised as a fundamental component of a player's long-term and post-career security, was frequently neglected, with players left to make crucial financial decisions without the guidance and resources available today.

While the repercussions of this neglect may not have been immediately evident on the football pitch, they undeniably left a lasting impact on the players' overall quality of life. Players had to grapple with the burden of managing personal affairs alongside their training and match schedules. This placed a significant strain on the players off the pitch, which could, in turn, affect their on-field performances, although the extent of this was not realised until much more recently.

The Emergence of Player Care

The sport has continually undergone profound transformations towards greater professionalism throughout its history. As part of changes towards a more structured and organised approach to football emerged, clubs have realised the need for enhanced Player care. This shift in perspective was driven by several interconnected factors that reshaped the way footballers were perceived and treated.

First and foremost, the rising popularity of football on a global scale led to increased revenues, larger fan bases, and greater media attention. As clubs began to generate more substantial income, there was a growing awareness of the need to invest in their most valuable assets: the players. The realisation dawned that neglecting the personal lives and happiness of players off the pitch could have adverse effects on their on-field performance, ultimately impacting the club's success.

Moreover, as the sport transitioned into a more professional realm, the expectations placed on footballers began to evolve. Beyond mere physical fitness and technical skills, players were now required to maintain a high level of mental resilience. Particularly because they were also both scrutinised and respected as role models in the public eye which came with its own difficulties. Clubs recognised that a content and satisfied player away from the game was more likely to be motivated, focused, and able to perform at their best during training sessions and matches.

To address the personal circumstances of their athletes, clubs began to initiate a series of pivotal steps. They started by providing better accommodations and facilities to ensure that players had a comfortable and supportive environment outside of the pitch. This included offering quality housing, training facilities, and access to rehabilitation and medical care.

Furthermore, clubs began to focus more on assisting players in their adaptation to new cities, countries, and cultures, especially in the case of international transfers. By providing support in matters such as language acquisition, cultural integration, and community engagement, clubs aimed to alleviate the stress and challenges associated with such transitions.

This was the beginning of Player Care that has eventually led to the Player Care of today. Although still rapidly gaining momentum as an important pillar of modern football, there have been Player Liaisons for over 30 years in some Premier League Clubs. Lorna McClelland of Aston Villa and Bill Ellaby of Everton were the early pioneers, and when Haydn Roberts created the first Player Care department at Manchester City in 2009, the industry changed forever. For the first time, a club had dedicated the resources and staffing to an area that had before been left to either the captain, the players themselves or a single hard working individual like Lorna & Bill.

In the next blog, we’ll consider how Player Care gained more prominence from these foundations and the introduction of designated Player Care Officers within football clubs.