Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the exclusive representative body of A-League players, has restated its backing for the collectively bargained A-League agreement, describing the arrangement as pivotal to the success of the A-League and football in general in this country.
CEO Nick Holland noted the surge in TV audiences and attendances at Hyundai A-League games this season and commented that “the marquee signings, along with all the A-League players, have undoubtedly increased the appetite for football in Australia. As responsible partners in the game, we need to ensure we build on the great work that is being done by all parties in growing the game. The game will continue to grow only if we provide a quality competition with a great atmosphere that engages the fans. ” Holland said.
“The great start to the A-League season, combined with the restructuring of the competition to include the Western Sydney Wanderers, further reinforces the PFA’s long standing policy that quality, atmosphere, local clubs, engaging the community and increasing the visibility of the league are the key strategic pillars upon which the league and the game in general will build its success.”
Holland went on to say “At this critical time it is paramount that the game can show a genuine and stable career path to continue to attract the best possible talent. This must manifest itself as an investment into areas such as player education and development and just as importantly, basic protections such as contract security and insurance in the event of injury. Taking care of these issues is vital not only for the players but will undoubtedly accelerate the success of football in this country.”
ENDS
The PFA is the exclusive representative body of Australia’s elite professional footballers including the Socceroos, A-League players, the Matildas, the many Australians playing professionally overseas and the scholars in Australia’s elite academy system such as the Australian Institute of Sport.
