Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) continues to support its members on and off the pitch with the latest round of PFA Scholarship winners announced today.
Chosen by the PFA Executive Committee, PFA National Manager, Player Development Ben Robertson announced the recipients of the 2016 Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships and Craig Foster Media Scholarships – which are aimed at recognising and honouring the efforts of PFA members who have chosen to pursue personal and professional development outside of football.
Awarded annually to two players who demonstrate excellence in their development in a variety of fields, such as education, business or community involvement, the recipients of the Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships for 2016 are Manny Muscat and Chris Harold.
During his time at the Phoenix, Muscat became a qualified Electrician, completed a Solar Thermal Assessor course at RMIT. In 2012, he enrolled in the National Certificate in Electrical Engineering qualification. He has successfully completed both the theoretical and workplace requirements for Levels 2, 3 and 4. Manny also sought out industry experience and continues to evolve his business ambitions through his self developed website. Manny is positioning himself as a one stop shop for building dream homes. He is now qualified to design, build and electrically wire a house.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – FEBRUARY 26: Manny Muscat of the Phoenix beats the challenge of Aaron Mooy of Melbourne City during the round 21 A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City FC at Westpac Stadium on February 26, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Currently completing a Bachelor of Law at Murdoch University, Harold was awarded the emerging player Taliadoros Scholarship. In addition to his studies, he has also completed a work placement through the PFA’s Beyond the 90 program.
Awarded annually to an Australian footballer with the ambition to forge a career in the football media on completion of their playing career, Glen Moss and Kyah Simon were awarded the 2016 Craig Foster Media Scholarships.
Having developed a strong media presence on radio, TV and print, Simon is eager to pursue a career in the media post football.
Already taking steps to prepare for a career in journalism post football, Moss recently completed a Diploma in Digital Marketing. In addition to this, he has written pieces that have been published in the New Zealand Herald and given Phoenix fans a behind the scenes insight into the team through his social media activities.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 23: Glen Moss of the Phoenix reacts after conceding a late goal during the round seven A-League match between Sydney FC and the Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium on November 23, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
With previous winners, such as Jamie Harnwell, Tim Brown and Adam D’Apuzzo, Robertson said the recipients highlighted the outstanding work being undertaken by the nation’s footballers on and off the pitch.
“The PFA takes great pride in being able to assist our members in pursuing their ambitions,” said Robertson.
“Ensuring the wellbeing of the players is at the very core of the PFA’s mission and the scholarships play an integral role in recognising and honouring the efforts of our members to develop themselves away from the game.
“Manny, Chris, Kyah and Glen are great examples of the capacity of our members to pursue development. They are a demonstration of what can be achieved when you commit to long term thinking and to self improvement and learning to make it happen.
“It is critical that we continue to grow the PFA Player Development and Transition Program to further enhance the support given to the nation’s elite footballers.”
