Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible to apply if you are:

• A current or former professional footballer.
• A current or former trainee professional footballer.
• A player registered with a professional academy or centre of excellence.

Applicants must have played or trained with a club in the English Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League.

Completing Your Application

To help us assess your application as quickly as possible, please:

• Complete all sections of the application form.
• Sign the declaration.
• Provide photo ID (passport or driving licence).
• Provide proof of your address.
• Include any supporting documents requested, such as bank statements, payslips or bills where applicable.

How We Can Help

Many beneficiaries come to us expecting financial assistance, but often the greatest difference comes through practical advice, guidance and support tailored to their individual circumstances.

Free Debt and Welfare Rights Advice

If you’re struggling financially, you’re not alone. We offer access to an independent Welfare Rights and Debt Adviser who can:

• Review your financial situation.
• Check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to.
• Explain the debt solutions available to you.
• Support you through the application process where appropriate.

This service is free and confidential.

Financial Support

We may be able to provide grants to those experiencing significant financial hardship. Each application is assessed individually against our charitable criteria.

Examples of support include:

• Help for those facing severe financial hardship.
• Assistance with certain costs to resolve debt, such as bankruptcy or Debt Relief Order fees.
• Support for beneficiaries living with a neurodegenerative condition, where appropriate.

Please note that we cannot provide:

• Ongoing living expenses or a regular income.
• Loans.
• Private medical treatment or insurance.
• Business costs.
• Debts owed to family or friends.
• Court fines or legal fees.

This list is not exhaustive.

Neurodegenerative Support

We understand that receiving a diagnosis of dementia or another neurodegenerative condition can be overwhelming for both beneficiaries and their families.

The Players Foundation can help by signposting you to information, benefits and support available through Adult Social Services, national charities and The Football Fund. Where these organisations are unable to help, we will consider applications for financial assistance in line with our charitable policy. This applies whether the beneficiary is living at home or in residential care.

If you are applying for yourself or on behalf of a beneficiary, please provide as much information as possible about your request, as this will help us assess your application. Where your request relates to the purchase of goods or services, please include three comparable quotations.

If you have any questions before applying, please contact The Players Foundation—we’re here to help.