Recovery story
The difference in my knee was like night & day
The Future Care Initiative
Powered by football4football® and TRB Chemedica
The 'Future Care initiative' will allow ex-pro players with degenerative joint conditions of the toe, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow or shoulder FREE Ostenil treatment from the TRB Chemedica Ostenil Approved Clinic network through football4football.
FREE treatmentOstenil Approved clinic networkFor ex-professional players
About the treatment
Proven on the pitch, trusted by club doctors.
Ostenil PLUS by TRB Chemedica is an intra-articular injection used throughout the Football League and Premier League to treat joints affected by degenerative change, such as Osteoarthritis.
Evidence shows Ostenil PLUS injections relieve pain and improve joint function, and many professional players have been able to continue or extend their playing careers, and delay or even avoid surgery due to the treatment. Ostenil Tendon is widely used by football doctors to treat pain and restore tendon function, and has demonstrated scientifically supported benefits in the successful injury management of conditions such as Achilles Tendinopathy.
The support journey
From first contact to lasting recovery.
Every applicant follows the same considered path — assessed by specialists, supported end to end, at no cost.
- 01
Apply
Tell us where you have pain and share your details. A 5-minute confidential form is all it takes to begin.
- 02
Assessment
An Ostenil Approved Clinic reviews your history and joint condition to confirm the right course of treatment.
- 03
Treatment
Receive FREE Ostenil PLUS or Ostenil Tendon treatment delivered by experienced football clinicians.
- 04
Recovery
Pain relief and improved joint function help you move freely again — often delaying or avoiding surgery.
- 05
Ongoing support
Stay connected to the football4football community and resources built by players, for players.
Start your application
Click where you have pain
Use the figure to select the body parts that most affect you (2 max). Fill in your details and an Ostenil Approved Clinic will contact you.
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
- Toe
Why we do this
football4football has worked with hundreds of pro players in researching the physical & mental well-being issues that impact both current and former footballers.
Our team is made up of players who've had careers ended prematurely by injury, so our personal experiences, knowledge and purpose ensures we'll continually aim to provide the best resources we can for all involved in football — because it's your game®
— The football4football team
Support & eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Future Care Initiative, eligibility requirements, and available treatment support.
The Future Care Initiative is the result of years of research conducted by football4football and TRB Chemedica. Through conversations with former professional footballers, it became clear that many players who benefited from treatments during their careers struggled to access the same support after retirement.
The initiative provides eligible former professional footballers with access to free initial treatment for degenerative joint conditions affecting areas such as the toe, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help with eligibility, treatment and anything else about the initiative.