SFFC WELFARE TEAM – Powered by Healthway

South Fremantle Football Club is proud to have strengthened its welfare and wellbeing team, thanks to the support of Healthway.

Our commitment to player and staff wellbeing is a responsibility central to our Club’s ethos as we strive to develop talented footballers, but also great people.

With more than 250 male and female footballers across the club, providing the right resources and support systems is essential. As part of this commitment, the club has introduced a dedicated welfare and wellbeing team made up of experienced and passionate people focused on supporting players where needed.

The role of the welfare team is vital to provide guidance, support, and a listening ear for footballers across all programs.

Rod Linton leads the group as the club’s Welfare Manager, a role he has held for more than six years in various capacities. He is supported by Harry Howe with the Women’s program, Darcy Sparks and Stephen Goodall within the talent pathways, and Matt Parker (Indigenous and Multicultural), Les Olivieri (Mentor), and Andrew Gaff (Performance Mentor) within the senior men’s program.

The importance of this support is highlighted by concerning statistics showing that more than 40 per cent of males and females aged between 16 and 24 experienced a mental health disorder in the past year, a figure that continues to rise.

“Our footballers are extremely committed to their footy, and many balance full-time work or study alongside the demands and commitment of WAFL/WAFLW football,” South Fremantle Head of Football Charlie Burke said.

“That can bring added stress and anxiety, whether from a football perspective or from off-field challenges. Supporting our players to be the best they can be is a big part of our role, and having a healthy mind plays a huge part in that.”

Burke said the expansion of the welfare team represents an important step forward for the club. “To have seven dedicated and passionate people supporting our footballers in wellbeing and welfare roles is a big step towards providing the best possible care and support at this level.”

The program also provides culturally appropriate support for Indigenous players. Led by Matt Parker, the group regularly hosts touchpoints including yarning circles, where players can openly discuss aspects of the football program and share cultural perspectives. These sessions are often supported by staff from WA Football.

Across the welfare group, members bring experience from a range of professional fields and provide support in areas such as mental health, performance anxiety, employment challenges, and relationship issues.