Throughout the organisation’s history, the PFA have not only supported our players and helped to build the game in Australia, but also harnessed the responsibility as an organisation to make our community – and the world – a better place.
Through the broader player movement, the PFA has used the power of football as a force for positive social change. Our ambition is to continue to be a leader on social causes and issues that are inherent to the wellbeing of the community and be a proactive and influential member of our collectives.
Our Greener Pitch
Throughout the PFA’s history, we have always explored ways in which we can not only support and represent our players and build the game in Australia, but also harness the responsibility as an organisation to make our community – and the world – a better place.
Given the increasing individual and collective responsibility we have as global citizens to ensure our environment and our Earth is protected, the PFA launched ‘Our Geener Pitch’ in April 2021.
‘Our Greener Pitch’ aims to encourage players, clubs and the football community to take individual and collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change. The cornerstone of the policy is a commitment to reducing and offsetting the organisation’s carbon emissions.
Our Greener Pitch Initiatives
Carbon Audit
‘Our Greener Pitch’ follows the PFA’s carbon audit in 2019 conducted by Australia’s Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI), which measured the PFA’s annual carbon emissions. PFA members subsequently selected a large-scale project to offset the organisation’s emissions.
Carbon Offset
The PFA invited all members to vote on one of the three global projects. The selected project, INDIA: CLEAN ENERGY FROM WIND PROJECT, will use wind power to partially displace electricity currently generated from grid-connected fossil fuel based power plants, helping reduce emissions and air pollution.
Player Committee
The ‘Our Greener Pitch’ player committee allows PFA members who are passionate about sustainability to join together to tackle the environmental challenges facing football.
Green Games
In 2024, the PFA and APL launched a series of two ‘Green Games’ in the A-Leagues. The objective of the matches is to reduce carbon emissions and plastic waste as well as raise fan awareness of football’s connection to the environment.
“Through Our Greener Pitch, the players are demonstrating that even taking small steps can make a big impact.”
Jackson Irvine
PFA President
Community Medal
The Beyond Bank PFA Community Medal, first introduced in 2017, recognises the outstanding contribution PFA members are making within their communities and reflects the PFA’s commitment to ensuring football creates positive social impact.
The winner of the medal receives $2,500 to go to their nominated charity, courtesy of Beyond Bank.
Recipients
Alex Chidiac
OneBall
Aivi Luik
Mark Hughes Foundation
Rebekah Stott
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Luke Brattan
Leukaemia Foundation
Nigel Boogaard
Hunter Life Education
Robbie Cornthwaite
Beards of Hope
