Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) today announced that the players have raised $70,000 for the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
The funds have been raised through a variety of player led initiatives since the devastating Queensland floods in January of this year.
PFA Executive Member and Brisbane Roar defender Shane Stefanutto described the impact the disaster had on Australia’s professional players.
“Like all Australians, members of the PFA have been touched by the ferocity of the flooding of Queensland in January of this year,” said Stefanutto. “Lives have been tragically lost and there is significant damage to homes and sporting facilities alike. It has been fantastic to see the football community work together to support those most in need and it would be great if the players’ contribution can assist to rebuild those football facilities that have been lost as a result of this disaster.”
PFA members raised the funds by undertaking the following initiatives:
A direct payroll deduction as a contribution to the appeal from A-League players.
The dedication of the players’ most important awards night of the year – the PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medal night – to flood relief initiatives including:
1. A donation from ticket sales;
2. The auctioning of signed PFA Alex Tobin Medallist Mark Viduka footballs and photos; and
3. Contributions of $10,000 from the PFA’s 2011 Alex Tobin Medal night partner Adecco and from Melbourne Heart corporate partner Mirabella Lighting.
The PFA would also like to acknowledge the support of major partner LUCRF Super in staging the Alex Tobin Medal evening.
The PFA will request that the funds raised will go to the rebuilding of lost football facilities and equipment as a result of the floods.
