Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and Reflect Forward have strengthened their partnership to enhance anti-racism education in football and schools.
Announced on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the partnership will deliver anti-racism resources to A-League players and high school students in Victoria.
Reflect Forward has developed educational materials for all PFA members exploring the origins of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Australia’s Harmony Week.
The PFA will coordinate school visits, enabling players to have meaningful discussions on racism in sport and the importance of allyship, improving students’ racial literacy. A-League captains will be encouraged to continue wearing Reflect Forward’s custom captain’s armband this season, symbolising the partnership and shared commitment to anti-racism from both organisations.
“Education is key to tackling racism, and footballers have a unique platform to drive change,” Reflect Forward’s Director – Programs and Partnerships, Jamal Elsheikh said.
“With A-League captains continuing to wear Reflect Forward’s armband this season, this partnership with the PFA delivers both visible and practical action against racism in football and beyond.
“We are especially grateful to Kyah Simon for her leadership as a Reflect Forward ambassador, helping to equip players, schools, and communities with the tools to create a more inclusive game.”
PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said the partnership with Reflect Forward would strengthen the players’ and the PFA’s capacity to proactively confront racism and its impact in football and broader society.
“Our partnership with Reflect Forward empowers players with the education, support, and platform they need to actively challenge racism in both sport and society.
“It also enables them to take a leadership role on this critical issue, using their voices and experiences to inspire and educate the next generation.
“We know the devastating impact that racism continues to have across Australia, and it is vital that we harness the ability of football to confront it.”
Since 2019, Reflect Forward has led anti-racism education in sport, using elite athletes to drive change. In partnership with the PFA, it has developed materials for athletes, schools, and community sports clubs, equipping young Australians to recognise and challenge discrimination.
This latest initiative builds on Reflect Forward and the PFA’s anti-racism work since 2021, which commenced with ‘Courageous Conversations for Change,’ featuring Australian footballers Bernie Ibini, Rhys Williams, Emma Ilijoski, Allira Toby, Ben Halloran, and Kusini Yengi. Andrew Redmayne, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, and Kyah Simon have also shared their experiences with racism in sport through Reflect Forward’s platform.
Footballers’ video content has been adapted into educational modules for teachers, with Reflect Forward’s lesson plans reaching over 26,000 students across 121 schools.
Matildas star Kyah Simon has also been a Reflect Forward ambassador since 2022, working with the Australian Sports Commission to develop resources for coaches, umpires, and volunteers to address racism in real time.
Newcastle Jets captain Kosta Grozos is one of several captains to wear the Reflect Forward armband during the A-League season.
“I’ve chosen to wear the Reflect Forward armband because it represents taking a positive stand against racism in our game, and encourages everyone, involved from players to fans to reflect on how we can eliminate discrimination in our game.
“The PFA’s anti-racism partnership is about making positive change, and I’m proud to be part of that movement.”
