Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Chief Executive Adam Vivian has announced the appointment of a new Matildas Committee as preparations continue ahead of negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Tasked with fulfilling the vital role of workplace representatives for the Matildas playing squad, Vivian made the announcement today, which sees three new additions to the six-person committee.

Appointed in accordance with the PFA Rules, the Matildas Delegates Committee is:

  • Clare Polkinghorne;
  • Emily van Egmond;
  • Kathryn Gill;
  • Kim Carroll;
  • Sam Kerr; and
  • Lydia Williams.

With PFA Executive Kathryn Gill, Clare Polkinghorne and Emily van Egmond having previously served on the committee, Vivian said the new additions would ensure the Matildas continue to be represented by players committed to the wellbeing of their peers and the game.

“With the games three key CBAs – Socceroos, Matildas and A-League – set to expire mid next year Australian football has its first opportunity to build a ‘whole of game’ partnership,” said Vivian. “The PFA and the players are determined to seize this opportunity and the Matildas Committee will be vital in this.

“The Matildas remarkable success in recent years, both in Asia and at the World Cup, highlights the potential of the women’s game, however there remains much work to be done.

“The universal values of football must extend to women and the upcoming CBA negotiations present an opportunity for the Australian game to be a world leader in the promotion of gender equity. This is in the best interests of all of the games stakeholders as it will enable football to attract and retain the country’s best athletes through the establishment of a genuine career path.

“Finally I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution of long serving committee members Heather Garriock and Melissa Barbieri who are stepping down. Their tireless work in pursuing the interests of their peers and that of the women’s game has been truly inspiring and will no doubt continue to be so for many years to come.”