A-Leagues team captains have been wearing armbands featuring specialised designs this season.
Each of the armbands feature a design that represent four different initiatives, including LGBTI+ inclusion, anti-racism, acknowledgement of Indigenous football’s connection with Australian football, as well as football’s connection to climate.
The armbands have been designed by PFA partner Park SSC. Each armband helps to raise awareness for social causes and initiatives in partnership with the PFA.
Captains across the league have been wearing the four armbands throughout the opening rounds of season, choosing one that resonates with them.
The captains can also choose to alternate each game or wear one for the entire season.
Players are not obliged to choose an armband that represents a cause but have the option available to them if they wish.
PFA Executive Member and Brisbane Roar midfielder Tameka Yallop said the armbands brought visibility to various player-supported initiatives.
“I’ve been stoked to have been able to bring some visibility to some very important social issues through the PFA captains’ armbands this season,” Yallop told pfa.net.au.
“Showing support and a safe environment for everyone has always been important to me and sport is an amazing platform to demonstrate this.”
Pride Cup Armband
The Pride Cup armband, worn below by Melbourne City’s captain Rebekah Stott, below, was worn by players across the A-Leagues during last year’s Pride Celebration.
Several clubs have committed to celebrating LGBTI+ inclusion in March, including an inaugural Sydney FC pride double-header and Melbourne Victory’s annual Pride Cup against Adelaide United on 29 March. Sydney FC will wear first-ever Pride kits in a double-header against Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium on 15 March.
The PFA will support ongoing LGBTI+ education programs for players, staff, and stakeholders.
By wearing the Pride armband, captains aim to promote inclusivity, signalling that everyone—regardless of identity or who they love—is welcome in football.
It champions safe spaces for the LGBTI+ community across players, referees, administrators, and fans.
READ: Footballers’ Voice: Izzy Hodgson and Josh Cavallo in the impact of the A-Leagues Pride Game
Read: From the Co-Chief Executives: The importance of celebrating Pride
The First Nations Armband
The First Nations armband is designed by Kirk Ugle, a former Australian rules footballer and Noongar Artist based in Western Australia who established Indigenous art company Koorta Creations.
The A-Leagues do not have a specific Indigenous round and have a small number of players represented in the league. The First Nations armband allows captains at A-League clubs to demonstrate their support for First Nations people and their contribution to the game.
Our Greener Pitch Armband
PFA players continue to highlight football’s dual relationship with climate, with the Our Greener Pitch armband raising awareness about extreme weather impacts on players and the sport’s environmental footprint.
This will align with match day initiatives in March 2025, which will be centred on sustainability, and build on last season’s Green Games.
Click here to find out more about Our Green Pitch and read the Player Handbook.
Reflect Forward Armband
The Reflect Forward armband, pictured and worn by Macarthur’s Valere Germain, raises awareness of the work of the anti-racism initiative, Reflect Forward.
Reflect Forward is an anti-racism initiative in sports. It educates young Australians about the impacts of racism through the power of sport. They work with schools, elite athletes, and national sporting organisations to strive for the eradication of racism.
Through the PFA, Reflect Forward has developed educational materials for athletes and school-age children. Kyah Simon is a current ambassador for Reflect Forward.
READ: Kyah Simon joins anti-racism initiative, Reflect Forward
READ: Players ‘reflect forward’ on racism in sport
Reflect Forward and Pride Cup are part of the PFA’s Footballers’ Trust.
