Alex Fletcher starts new role at PFA discussing brain health

Fletcher sustained major injuries in a head-on collision with a concrete barriers whilst playing for Bath City against Dulwich Hamlet in November 2022 in the National League South.

He underwent major surgery to remove part of his skull and did not play football for 10 months.

In his new role, Fletcher will visit clubs and speak to players on a range of brain health issue and has worked with the PFA and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to highlight the need for clearer guidance for clubs and enhanced safety measures.

“I feel like I’ve still got a lot to give to football on and off the pitch and so I’m really excited to be joining the PFA," he said.

“The understanding of the relationship between brain health and playing football continues to grow, and that’s what I’ll be speaking to players about, sharing information and helping them build their personal understanding of this as an issue.

“From my own experience as a player, I know it always helps when the person who is speaking is someone who has experienced the same things and who has that understanding of the issues you face as a footballer.

“Obviously, I’m able to talk to players about what happened to me and how that sort of life-changing incident gave me a different perspective on my own brain health. I know that, as a young and healthy person, it’s not something people necessarily think about as potentially impacting them.

"I hope that these conversations will help other players begin to think about their own long-term health and wellbeing.”

Fletcher made his return to playing in August this summer for the Romans, coming off the bench against Hampton & Richmond Borough in the 85th minute.

After his departure from Bath, Fletcher joined the Seagulls earlier this month.

“We’re delighted to be able to welcome Alex to the PFA team. He is an impressive young man with a unique perspective on the importance of brain health," PFA CEO Maheta Molango said.

"He has worked his way back from a major injury that has had a profound impact not just on his football career but also his life.

“He is motivated to use his position within the game for good and, as a current player, he’s someone who I know our members will be able to relate to.

"Alex will be going into clubs and working alongside our specialist team, presenting to players and leading conversations about the importance of brain health within football.”