Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today announced that Kate Gill will step down as Co-Chief Executive, concluding over a decade of service to Australia’s professional players.
The former Matildas captain joined PFA management in 2015, following distinguished service as the first female member of the PFA Executive Committee.
Upon her appointment, Gill was instrumental in delivering the first ever A-League Women Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which secured significantly improved conditions for the players, whilst also securing the groundbreaking gender equality Matildas and Socceroos CBA of 2019.
In 2020, Gill was appointed Co-Chief Executive where she led the organisation through the disruption of COVID-19, and ensured the successful negotiation of long term collective agreements for all A-Leagues and National Team Players.
In addition, Gill served as Asia and Oceania’s representative on the FIFPRO Global Board for four years, where she played a critical role in the advancement of player associations across the world.
Upon making the announcement Gill commented:
“Stepping down from my role as Co-Chief Executive has not been an easy decision, as my time with the PFA has been profoundly rewarding, both personally and professionally.
“Over the past decade, the PFA has led transformative changes in Australian football, with players at the forefront of this progress.
“The members are the heartbeat of the PFA and it has been an absolute privilege to work for such incredible people, whose belief, trust, and unwavering commitment to improving the working conditions for all players has been nothing short of remarkable.
“I leave knowing that the members are in the capable hands of Beau Busch, a selfless and progressive leader, who alongside the extraordinary PFA staff, work tirelessly to ensure that every player has the opportunity for the best career possible.”
PFA Chair Francis Awaritefe paid tribute to Gill’s contribution to the players and the game.
“Over the last decade, Kate has played an outstanding role in advancing the careers of players and the well-being of the game in Australia and, at the international level, as a Global Board member of FIFPRO and the PFA’s representative for FIFPRO ASIA/OCEANIA.
“Due to her influence and fierce intelligence, Kate’s achievements as a leader go beyond the important role she has played in championing gender equity, equal pay and conditions for women players.
“Kate will be missed by PFA Executive and staff alike.”
PFA President Jackson Irvine reflected on Gill’s support for the players.
“Kate has been an incredible advocate for the players and the game. She brought a deep understanding of what it means to be a professional footballer, and that’s what made her such an effective leader at the PFA.
“The work she’s done behind the scenes in supporting the players to achieve vital progress, such as the first-ever CBAs for female footballers, equal pay for the Socceroos and Matildas, and securing professional standards in the A-Leagues, are among the ground-breaking wins she can be hugely proud of.”
