Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) announces record membership numbers as the 2016 PFA Annual General Meeting (AGM) sees the players turn their focus to the future.
At the 2016 AGM ,attended by over 200 PFA members in person or via proxy late yesterday, PFA Chief Executive John Didulica confirmed a series of historic milestones:
>> a record number of financial members across the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League and W-League;
>> the elevation of Cheryl Salisbury to Life Membership, being the first former Matilda to achieve this recognition; and
>> the election to the PFA Executive of two W-League players, Kim Carroll and Gabe Marzano, who join Lydia Williams to ensure the PFA reaches its target of at least 30% female representation on the Executive.
In addition, the players moved a number of key motions and noted key achievements:
>> the appointment of Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss to the PFA Executive;
>> Harry Kewell, Matt McKay and Vince Grella also receiving PFA Life membership in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the game and the players;
>> the PFA securing $4.27m for members through the PFA legal and advocacy work;
>> over $90,000 raised to assist PFA Partner John Moriarty Football to continue and grow their work with elite indigenous footballers in remote areas;
>> a commitment to playing an ongoing role within the FFA governance reform;
>> a commitment to finalising the yet to be executed ‘Whole of Game’ Collective Bargaining Agreement;
>> a commitment to building a professional career within women’s football; and
>> a commitment to developing a unified position on growing Australia’s professional footprint, including a position on A-League expansion.
“Whilst the primary purpose of the AGM is to look back at the season gone by, the players have a responsibility to look forward to the opportunities and challenges the sport faces,” said Didulica.
“A quick snapshot of the sport captures these opportunities and challenges: the wave of support behind professionalising women’s football, the need to redefine Australia’s talent management and development pathways, the exponential growth in Asian football, sustainably growing the professional football footprint nationally and continuing to advocate for football as the face of modern Australia.
“As always the players are uniquely positioned to play a valuable role in advancing these issues.”
Didulica also paid tribute to outgoing Executive member Ante Covic and the most recent recipients of PFA Life Membership.
“On behalf of all our members I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ante Covic for the outstanding and tireless service he has given the players during his time on the PFA Executive,
“Grella, McKay, Kewell and Salisbury are iconic figures for club, country and the PFA, and as such are deserving of the recognition from the current generation of players for leaving the game in a better place.
“Cheryl’s impact on the game was profound and there could be no more fitting player to become the association’s first female Life Member.”
Salisbury said she was thrilled to be awarded Life Membership.
“It is a huge honour to have been chosen by the current generation of players to receive this recognition and one that I’m incredibly proud of,” said Australia’s record caps holder.
“Before we joined the PFA we didn’t have a voice, it was only once we became members that we started to make headway. Whilst we still have a long way to go I’m very proud of the progress the game has made.”
MEDIA
Beau Busch | PFA Player Relations and Communications Executive
PH: +61 (0) 432 763 485
