PFA Annual General Meeting (AGM) Snapshot: 

  • Mat Ryan and Tommy Oar appointed to PFA Executive  
  • Tim Cahill, Dianne Alagich, Joanne Peters, Tal Karp, Glen Moss and John Poulakakis revealed as PFA Life Members 
  • Elise Kellond-Knight and Kim Carroll re-elected to Executive for a further three years 
  • PFA management detailed the organisation’s key achievements in the past 12 months, which feature in the PFA’s Annual Report released today, including $95,000 in player contributions to charities through the Footballers’ Trust 

 
Socceroo Mat Ryan and Macarthur FC midfielder Tommy Oar have been appointed to the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Executive at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

Ryan, Australia’s sole Premier League representative as goalkeeper at Brighton and Hove Albion and Socceroos Delegate for the PFA, said he was delighted to join the Executive to lend his voice and experience to advance Australian professional footballers’ careers. 

“It’s an honour to be appointed to the PFA Executive. There has been a long list of influential players who have helped to shape the careers of Australia’s professional footballers over many years and it has long been an ambition of mine to help give back to the next generation in an official capacity,” Ryan said. 

“It’s important that the game ensures the voice of Australia’s footballers is visible within decision-making as we continue to help shape our footballers into the best players and people they can be.” 

Oar, who has served as a PFA Delegate during his professional career, joins Ryan, Alex Wilkinson, Nigel Boogaard, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Lydia Williams, Elise Kellond-Knight, Kim Carroll and Tameka Yallop as a member of the PFA Executive.  

“The role of the PFA is vital not only for the players but also the game. As such, this is a position I do not take lightly, and I’m really excited to join the Executive,” Oar said. 

“I have been quite involved with the PFA as a delegate for a number of seasons now, and particularly this year dealing with a number of challenges that COVID-19 has presented for our game and players. I hope to be able to use this experience to help my fellow footballers and ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to have successful careers.” 

Ryan and Oar fill Executive positions vacated by outgoing members Mile Jedinak and Glen Moss.  

With over 270 PFA members from across the A-League, W-League and national teams represented, the AGM saw Socceroo legend Tim Cahill, former Matildas Dianne Alagich, Joanne Peters and Tal Karp, former New Zealand international Glen Moss and PFA Chair from 2008-2014, John Poulakakis, ratified as PFA Life Members. 

PFA Co-Chief Executive Kathryn Gill welcomed the new Executive appointments and congratulated the induction of six new PFA Life Members. 

“After such a turbulent and challenging year for football, the appointment of Mat and Tommy demonstrates the strength of the PFA and the calibre of people who are helping to advance the players’ interests in the Australian game,” Gill said. 

“Their contributions, alongside their fellow peers on the PFA Executive, will be invaluable as the game recovers and rebuilds for the future. Equally, the contributions of players and administrators of the past in building the foundation of professional football in this country have been recognised, and we congratulate Tim, Di, Joey, Tal, Glen and John for the influence and involvement they have had on the game and the PFA during their careers.” 

PFA Co-Chief Executive Beau Busch paid tribute to the departing Executive members Moss and Jedinak and PFA Life Members Brendan Schwab and John Didulica who recently stepped down from their respective roles as PFA Chair and Chief Executive.  

“In Mile and Glen, the players were served by two leaders who embodied the PFA’s values and were truly committed to ensuring that the next generation inherited a significant legacy,” Busch said. 

“John and Brendan have both made immeasurable contributions to the players and the game. Their vision and commitment to serving the interests of Australian football and the players will continue to focus and shape the work of the PFA as the players seek to realise the sport’s potential.” 

The PFA’s Annual Report released today outlines the PFA’s key achievements across the past 12 months, including: 

  • Collective Bargaining: National Team CBA signed with Football Federation Australia containing a world-leading model for the employment of National Team players through revenue share, gender equality and reinvestment in youth football in cooperation with the players. Negotiation of A-League 2019/20 season extension, with the PFA, FFA and Clubs agreeing to a three-month contract extension for all players coming off contract 
  • Player Development: Through the player development program, 230 players undertook skill development workshops, 127 accessed Education Grants, 420 completed skin cancer checks and 141 confidential counselling session were provided to members 
  • Player Charity Outreach through Footballers’ Trust: PFA and members committed $95,000 to charity initiatives during 2019/20, including PFA-organised charity match, Oz Football Aid 
  • Player Representation: The PFA opened a record 164 new legal cases and recovered $2.45m for its members 
  • Research and Insights: In addition to the PFA’s annual W-League and A-League reports, for the first time the PFA released an extensive research report that reviewed Australia’s national youth competition, the Y-League, through a combination of historical analysis and surveying of current players 

Click here to access the 2020 PFA Annual Report.