The PFA, through collective and industrial representation, has the ambition to ensure football becomes Australia’s sporting career of choice and its safest and most universal sport for men and women. At the heart of the PFA’s work are the players, who through representative positions on the Executive Committee, or as club delegates, help to advance and protect the players’ interests, conditions and welfare and actively resolve issues on their behalf.

During 2021, the work of the Executive and the delegates was invaluable as the organisation and the players bravely navigated the significant challenges posed by the impact of COVID-19, which had massive health and economic impacts on the players and the game, and drove a landmark five year collective bargaining agreement for the A-Leagues.

The PFA’s membership has more than doubled over the last 6 years, as players seek to create value in their careers through the organisation’s programs and support services. During the 2020/21 period that this report encompasses, 658 financial members were recorded.

The PFA’s in-house legal team provides world class expertise and service within professional sport and in player representation. The PFA each season assists members, providing legal advice and assistance, Collective Bargaining Agreement advice, contract enforcement, advice and negotiation, protecting player image rights and commercial matters, representation and advocacy and dispute resolution.

In addition to the PFA’s regular representation and advocacy, the impact of COVID-19 led to players requiring additional protection, representation and support in regards to their employment rights and conditions.

During the last financial year, the PFA opened a record 206 new individual legal cases on behalf of members.