PFA Annual Report 2020

A Powerful Association

The PFA aims to deliver world-class standards of administration within a member-based organisation by deeply engaging current and former players in the PFA’s affairs and the wellbeing of the game, providing outstanding standards of service delivery and being at the cutting edge of the policy and strategy of football.

Events

Oz Football Aid Charity Match – January 2020

The PFA organised and delivered ‘Oz Football Aid’, a charity match featuring some of Australia’s most prominent footballers – and football lovers – to support Australia’s nation’s bushfire recovery efforts.

The match featured greats from football, Hollywood and television, including Australian celebrities Anthony LaPaglia, Ed Kavalee and Shane Delia, who joined a list of former international footballers to help raise funds for Australian charity, Rural Aid. Former players Craig Foster, Josip Skoko, Josh Kennedy, Marco Bresciano, Thomas Sorensen and Sarah Walsh featured.

Through the PFA’s charitable arm, Footballers’ Trust, the match helped to raise over $50,000 for player-nominated charities.

Player Awards

The PFA player awards and recognition program acknowledges the outstanding achievements of PFA members. The program rewards members who have achieved on-field excellence, excelled in areas away from the field of play, contributed to other areas of Australian football or made contributions to fellow professionals that have transformed the career paths enjoyed by the footballers of today.

"Voted by the players, for the players"

PFA Players' Awards

PFA Men’s Footballer of the Year

Mat Ryan

PFA Harry Kewell Medal

Liberato Cacace

PFA Women's Footballer of the Year

Steph Catley

PFA Young Women's Footballer of the Year

Ellie Carpenter

PFA Community Medal

Luke Brattan

Life Member Inductees

Tim Cahill

Joanna Peter

Tal Karp

Glen Moss

Dianne Alagich

John Poulakakis

PFA in the Community

The PFA prides itself on ensuring football is used as a positive social force and PFA members are empowered to pursue opportunities off the pitch that help deliver positive outcomes in their communities. During a challenging year, members continued to give back to their communities through a range of initiatives, through the PFA;

Footballers Trust

$95,000 donated to various charities and groups including Pararoos, Rural Aid, Wires, Australian Red Cross and Leukemia Foundation, through Footballers’ Trust.

#PlayForLives

10 PFA members supported #PlayForLives campaign.

Players in the Community

Luke Brattan won the PFA Community Medal for taking part in the World's Greatest Shave raising $30,000.
Ruon Tongyik and Central Coast Mariners players supported #BlackLivesMatter.

Partnerships

John Moriarty Football

JMF operates in the remote Indigenous communities of Borroloola and Robinson River in the Northern Territory. JMF brings 2-16 year old Indigenous children together through sport, promoting good health and wellbeing. We aim to make a significant difference to school attendance and healthier lifestyles, with a belief that every child deserves a safe, protected start in life.

In 2018 the PFA reaffirmed their partnership with John Moriarty Football (JMF) continuing to further enhance the foundation’s work in engaging indigenous Australians through football.

FIFPro

FIFPro is the representative organisation for more than 65,000 professional footballers worldwide. Established in 1965 with the mission of supporting the players, FIFPro with its 55 members, three candidate members and seven observer unions, makes it the biggest player union in the world.

The PFA joined FIFPro in 1999, and 21 years later the PFA has become an integral part of the ‘world players’ association,’ with PFA co-founder and Life Member Brendan Schwab previously holding the role of FIFPro Vice President and FIFPro Asia Chairman before being appointed as the Head of UNI World Athletes. With over 180 Australian’s based abroad, FIFPro has been integral in ensuring the rights of PFA members are respected both domestically and worldwide.

LUCRF Super

LUCRF Super has been the major partner of the PFA since 2009. They play a key role in providing superannuation and financial education to PFA members. As a result of our partnership, hundreds of our members have joined LUCRF Super. Many have taken advantage of benefits that are open to all of our members, such as personalised financial advice and a secure mobile app. For more information go to: www.lucrf.com.au

Victoria University

Victoria University (VU) is known for its industry-focused courses, flexible approach to education, and supportive and culturally diverse learning environment. VU’s research and international reputation is also regarded as world-class. Ranked in the top 2% of universities globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings), Victoria University is world-class in the west.