Wellbeing & support
Always visible to players, parents, and coaches · Sydney FC Academy
If you or someone you know needs help right now
These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don't need a referral.
Kids Helpline
For anyone 5–25 · Call or webchat
1800 55 1800
Lifeline
Crisis support, any age · Call or text
13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Anxiety, depression, support for all ages
1300 22 4636
Emergency
Immediate danger to life
000
Request a private conversation
This goes directly and only to the club's appointed Welfare Officer / MPIO. It is not visible to coaches, teammates, or anyone else. There's no wrong reason to reach out.
Typically responded to within 1 business day. For anything urgent, please use the services above.
Other support services
If a player talks to you about how they're feeling
You are not expected to be a counsellor. Your role is to listen, stay calm, and connect them to the right support — not to diagnose or solve it yourself.
1
Listen without judgement. Thank them for telling you. You don't need the perfect response — staying calm and present is what matters most.
2
Don't promise secrecy. If what they share suggests they or someone else may be at risk, you have a responsibility to involve the Welfare Officer or a parent — let them know this gently.
3
If there's any immediate danger, act immediately. Call 000 or take them to an emergency department. Don't wait to escalate through normal channels.
4
For anything else, escalate to the Welfare Officer the same day. Use the "Flag a concern" form below — this is private and goes only to them.
5
Look after yourself too. Supporting a player through something hard can be heavy. You can talk to the Welfare Officer for your own support as well.
Flag a concern about a player
This view is only visible to the appointed Welfare Officer / MPIO. Requests and flags are never shown to coaches, other staff, or in any club-wide reporting.
Open items
Welfare Officer on record
SA
Sarah Ahmed
Same person as the club's MPIO — combined role