In a significant move to enhance player welfare, new guidelines passed by the Premier League in June 2022 require all Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs to provide a three-year "commitment of support" to released academy players. With a particular emphasis on mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as fostering new opportunities in football, education, and wider career pathways, these regulations highlight the importance of assisting players during the transition phase. One effective way to offer ongoing support and guidance is by creating digital communities.

Networking opportunities for released players

Digital communities offer a powerful platform for released players to expand their networks and forge connections with other released players, coaches, and industry professionals. By participating in these online communities, released players gain access to a diverse pool of resources and opportunities. Networking can open doors to alternative pathways within the football industry or related fields, ranging from coaching roles and scouting positions to media and marketing opportunities. Through a dedicated online community, released players are able to leverage their collective experiences and support one another in their respective journeys.

Enhanced safeguarding measures and secure communication

For released players under the age of 18, ensuring safe and secure communication becomes a priority. A safeguarded community within a digital platform, such as ToucanTech, can address this concern. By involving parents and guardians in the communication process, clubs can maintain a secure and supervised environment for interactions. Implementing robust safeguarding measures allows clubs to continue supporting young, released players effectively, while adhering to strict guidelines and regulations. Plus, with the aid of a comprehensive database such as ToucanTech, clubs can easily track and monitor the relationships between parents or guardians and players. Additionally, having all communications centralised in one place simplifies oversight and facilitates efficient management of interactions, further enhancing the provision of ongoing support to released players.

Education and skill development post-release

One significant aspect of supporting released players is facilitating their educational and skill development. After leaving a club, players may seek opportunities for further education or professional training. By integrating educational resources, training programs, and career development initiatives into the online community, clubs can empower released players to explore new pathways and enhance their skill sets. ToucanTech's platform allows clubs to provide access to job boards, mentor search, and skill-building opportunities, ensuring that released players have comprehensive support beyond the pitch.

Tracking released players and their progress

Effectively tracking released players is essential for supporting them on their journeys beyond the club. Many Premier League and EFL clubs face uncertainty when it comes to mandated tracking requirements, including the absence of clear guidelines on data tracking and the challenge of maintaining comprehensive audit trails. However, the adoption of a robust CRM system empowers clubs to organise and streamline communication with released players more efficiently; this not only facilitates the maintenance of strong relationships but also enables effective tracking of communications, ensuring timely follow-ups and comprehensive support for the players. From an administrative perspective, a CRM system simplifies tracking and provides valuable insights into contact history.

Creating digital communities for released players is an effective way for football clubs to offer ongoing support, mentorship, networking, and education. By utilising an all-in-one CRM system, clubs can track the progress of released players, ensure secure communication (especially for underage players), and provide networking opportunities, helping players navigate their post-release careers successfully. Embracing digital platforms and leveraging technology enables clubs to fulfil their commitment of support to released players and assist them in their transition to new career pathways.

ToucanTech’s leading community management software offers football clubs a comprehensive suite of capabilities to support their engagement with released players. With its intuitive CRM system, ToucanTech enables clubs to efficiently track released players’ progress, establish secure communication channels, and foster networking opportunities. The platform's robust features also facilitate mentorship programs, educational support, and seamless administration of contact histories. Get in touch with a member of the team to find out more.