Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) and Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) have today announced a new partnership to create an official connection between professional players and supporters. 

The partnership brings together two groups that sit at the heart of the game – the players and supporters. The PFA’s Chief Executive, Beau Busch, and FSAA Chair, Patrick Clancy, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations on Wednesday, December 3.

Under the agreement, the organisations will collaborate on initiatives that: 

  • build deeper, more authentic connections between players and supporters; 
  • amplify the role of players and fans in decision-making processes across the game; and 
  • generate data-driven recommendations that underpin long-term growth of the game. 

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said:  

“Since the establishment of FSAA, we have been able to build an effective working relationship, and this agreement represents another step forward in our shared pursuit of building the game. 

“Globally, we have seen firsthand the benefits of strong collaboration between fan groups and player unions.  

“Together we believe we are better equipped to shape the future of Australian football and ensure that the voices of fans and players are heard and respected.” 

FSAA, a volunteer collective, was formally established in 2023 to provide a unified, independent representation for all Australian football supporters through a dedicated supporter-first approach. 
 
The FSAA advocates for issues affecting all football supporters and fans at all levels of the game. The FSAA has recently published supporter-centric recommendations to football’s governing body, Football Australia (FA), and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL). 

FSAA Chair Patrick Clancy said FSAA’s partnership with the PFA is a natural link between the bodies representing Australian football’s two most important groups – players and supporters. 

“Australia’s professional players have an inextricable connection with supporters. Many have grown up on the terraces and in the stands and then progress to taking on the game as a career,” Patrick said. 

“For supporters, there is that strong emotional connection with the players of the club they support week in, week out. 

“FSAA wants to continue to foster and grow this important relationship, leverage off our mutual understandings and improve the game in Australia for players and supporters alike.”