Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) confirms it supports the nomination of former international footballer Craig Foster and female football pioneer Heather Reid AM for election to the board of Football Federation Australia (FFA) at its Annual General Meeting, scheduled for 19 November 2018.
The elections will be the first held under the reformed FFA Constitution which recognises the PFA as a formal stakeholder within the sport’s governance.
PFA President Alex Wilkinson was proud of the PFA’s newfound capacity to contribute to building the game’s governance capabilities.
“The Executive met last week and we unanimously resolved to put Craig and Heather forward for nomination. The underpinning purpose of the entire reform process was to drive diversity of experience and diversity of opinion, so the voice of genuine football people was critical.
“In the case of Heather and Craig, there is a body of work spanning their entire lives that demonstrates absolute commitment to the game. We are very thankful that they both accepted the invitation to stand for election.
“Craig and Heather have given their life to the cause of football. We think this not only aligns with the commitment that the players make; but can be appreciated by everyone who has fallen in love with football.”
Former Socceroo and PFA Chairman Craig Foster felt privileged to be called upon by the players to stand for the FFA Board.
“It’s humbling to be asked to put my hand up at such an important time for the sport in this country.
“The opportunity for football to flourish and for it to play a role in shaping Australian society has never been greater. There is a unique opportunity for a new leadership team to align and work collaboratively with all those who love the game and to shape the sport in their image.”
Heather Reid, who was awarded an Order of Australia for her commitment to football and to gender equity in sport, was equally humbled at the invitation to serve.
“After four decades of involvement in the world game, I would be honoured to seek election to the FFA board. As I have done for decades, I would continue to provide a meaningful contribution across all levels of football: local community to state, national and international level, to ensure positive outcomes and harness the opportunity for all players of the beautiful game.”
The PFA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all of the game’s stakeholders to elect a board that represents the best interests of the game as a whole.
The nominations of Reid and Foster will now be considered by the FFA Nominations Committee for approval prior to being presented to the members of FFA for potential election.
Heather Reid AM Biography
Heather Reid AM has been instrumental in forming, developing and promoting opportunities for women and girls in sport and physical activity, predominately through football, since 1978. Possessing a sound knowledge of the cultural, social and political complexities of the Australian sport industry, Reid was the first woman appointed as CEO of a State football federation, at Capital Football, in 2004.
Craig Foster Biography
Craig Foster is one of Australia’s most renowned and respected footballing identities. He achieved on-field success in both England and Australia before transitioning into the media as an expert commentator and analyst. Foster is graduating from a Bachelor of Laws in 2019, has a Master’s Degree in International Sports Management and an AFC Pro-Licence in coaching.
