The Professional Footballers ‘Association has taken major steps to tackle the sport’ s depression scandal.
In effect for Sportsmail’s campaign – but more importantly a major move that could help those in dire need – a football trade union has announced measures aimed at supporting the large number of former players previously with severe, neurodegenerative diseases.
A wide-ranging statement, released by the PFA on Thursday night, responded to a number of requests made by this publication when it launched its campaign in November. A special dementia division is about to be created, and the PFA will fight harder to prevent brain degeneration in football players defined as an industrial disease.
Dawn Astle has been appointed in a counseling role by the Professional Footballers’ Association as they take a major step towards tackling depression in football, an initiative led by Sportsmail
Her father Jeff (right) became the first footballer diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – a type of dementia linked to recurrent head injuries – after his death
Sportsmail They have also called on the union to fund respite care for those caring for victims.
That will be one of the key areas that Dawn Astle, the daughter of the late West Bromwich striker Jeff and a supporter of our campaign, will be examining after the PFA announced her appointment. in a counseling role for six months in the first instance.
We have also asked the union to fund regular social events for people living with dementia and their carers. They are now working with clubs nationally to ‘help create dementia-friendly environments and activity groups’.
Chris Sutton, who was behind our campaign, said the move was ‘finally good news’. He said: ‘This is welcome with open arms. My only complaint is the length of time it takes to come to fruition. ‘
John Stiles, the son of England’s World Cup winner Nobby, who died in October after suffering from dementia, raised ‘cautious hopes’. And Dr Willie Stewart, who was heavily involved in the drafting of the Sportsmail’s A seven-point chart whose research has identified an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases among walkers, citing the development as ‘good news’.
Chris Sutton’s father, Mike (left) died on Boxing Day after a long battle with depression
England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend Nobby Stiles died recently after suffering a battle of depression after his playing career
Former footballers and MPs had taken over Sportsmail’s dementia campaign for Government
Dawn Astle will be joined by Rachel Walden, and her father, former Portsmouth wing Rod Taylor, will be the second British footballer after Jeff Astle was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death at the age of 74 in 2018. CTE is a type of dementia associated with recurrent head effects.
Astle and Walden explore areas including mainstream player protection. Sportsmail calling for a reduction in training, something the PFA is now supporting. The care of former players will be closely monitored, with the pair being given a ‘remit to find a specific area within the PFA’.
The PFA says it wants a ‘global strategy for tackling depression and neurodegenerative diseases in football’ and lobbies FIFPRO, the world players’ association, for change.
Immediate help is offered to those who need a helpline. ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ said Dawn Astle. ‘But I am motivated and now is the time for the PFA to take action. This is just the beginning. ‘
She believes staff for the depression department could be in place within two months.
‘We want them in different parts of the country so that people can get support wherever they are,’ she explained. Dawn also pushes hard for essential respite care. ‘I don’t like boundaries,’ she said.
‘One family may need an afternoon off here and there, but another family could be very difficult and need 16 weeks. Why shouldn’t they get that? ‘
United and England image of Sir Bobby Charlton (right) was diagnosed with dementia at the end of last year
She picked up his part Sportsmail and PFA chairman Ben Purkiss, whose explosive interview with this newspaper sparked the review that will leave PFA boss Gordon Taylor, infamous, leaving in June.
‘The Daily Mail campaign has certainly been a great help,’ said Dawn.
‘People have also asked me if the independent review made a difference and, if so, we have to be very grateful to Ben for what he did. ‘
Sutton said: ‘Over the coming months, I hope to see real change. From protecting mainstream players to looking after the elderly and their families, these are positive steps to take. ‘
Stiles said: ‘It is not surprising that this happened after the Post campaign and the forthcoming regime change (at the PFA). It seems positive but we are waiting for action and real change. ‘
PFA boss Gordon Taylor once admitted he did not know how many of the 50,000 PFA members suffered from dementia, in an interview with Alan Shearer
Dr Stewart, who found clear evidence that a clan chief was inspired by dementia member Nobby Stiles, said: ‘This is good news. It is very encouraging and I hope that it will change into action. ‘
PFA deputy chief executive Simon Barker said: ‘The PFA has publicly pledged to improve the support arrangements for families living with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. This is the essential first step in striving to provide a complete and complete service. ‘
Sportsmail’s campaign also calls for temporary concussion agents and for further investigation. The PFA and FA have already agreed to continue funding Dr Stewart’s research for another year.
In addition to monitoring the PFA response, this publication will continue to push for more to be done.
The PFA dementia helpline number is 0800 048 9560.