Professional Footballers (PFA) 2017 ANNUAL REPORT From the CEO

The foundations are now in place for the PFA to drive The players know how quickly football moves. There is Better Football in Australia. no time to look back and our focus must be on using our collective strength and know-how to drive for a Since July 2016, with the support of the players, the Better Industry, a Better Competition and a Better PFA Executive has: Career.

• Secured Collective Bargaining Agreements for To achieve Better Football, we need to be ambitious. all members – from Socceroos to Matildas to the Supporting A-League and to the W-League – until June 2019 We need to renew the governance of football in Australia, we need independent professional • Finalised the long form Whole of Game CBA competitions with a clear vision for growth, we need which entrenched a more than 10% increase to to build player pathways that are world leading, player payments and grew funding for Player we need to continue to drive the transformation of Development by almost 40% women’s football at a domestic and global level, we the Players. need to engage with Asia and drive reform of AFC • Secured a foundational CBA for players within competitions, we need to build a genuine partnership the W-League which increased guaranteed between players and other stakeholders, we need payments by over 400%, introduced fundamental to devise a plan for infrastructure, and we need to protections such as insurance and medical devise an economic model that underpins our vision standards as well as embedding a player voice in for Better Football. Building the future development of the W-League The players have always been at the forefront of these • Secured specific recognition from FIFA as a issues because we are the ones whose livelihoods are stakeholder who warrants representation on the inextricably linked to the success of the sport and we Football Federation Australian congress are the ones who live the sport every hour of every day. the Game. • Achieved record levels of players with financial membership This proactive role in driving for Better Football will continue in 2018. • Re-established the financial stability and prosperity of the PFA as a self-sustaining business Warm Regards,

• Adopted a new strategic plan to take the PFA from 2017 to 2020

• Secured $5.0million in damages for Australian players around the world, and John Didulica | PFA Chief Executive

• Embarked on a mission to evolve the talented player pathway, lead by the release of an historic Player Pathway Study.

2 3 From the President Contents

On behalf of the PFA Executive, welcome to the 2017 In representing players, almost $5.0m was secured PFA Annual Report. by the PFA for players from 140 legal cases over the past year. In developing players, the PFA recognises The 2016/17 season has been historic for football in the wellbeing of our members as a key priority, with Australia both on and off the pitch. $120,000 in direct investment going to support and PLAYER REPRESENTATION UNDERSTANDING THE GAME assist PFA members to pursue education and off field The first W-League Collective Bargaining Agreement opportunities. 7. Executive Committee 23. Brand / Communications ensures that W-League players are now paid as professionals, which follows last year’s successful In living this philosophy, the PFA is proud to have establishment of Australian football’s first ever ‘Whole welcomed back a number of ex-players who are 8. Delegates of Game’ Collective Bargaining Agreement. Due to now working at the PFA in some capacity. Former the solidarity and commitment of the players, we now professional footballers Jon McKain, Dean Heffernan, 9. Recognising outstanding service to A POWERFUL ASSOCIATION have a platform to build on to make the W-League Lucas Pantelis and Joey Didulica have joined the PFA their fellow professionals one of the best female football leagues in the world. in Player Development roles, while former NSL striker Francis Awaritefe was appointed to serve as Australia’s 27. PFA Research and Insights The CBA provides a minimum salary of $10,000 representative on the board of FIFPro, the worldwide 10. Membership ensuring players no longer have to pay to play, while it representative body for professional footballers. We 28. Awards also provides critical insurance protection, minimum congratulate them on their appointments. They join 12. Legal and Advocacy medical standards, and access to the PFA’s Player five former players who are already on the PFA staff. 30. Events Development Program. Another fantastic result was having over 100 players 14. Collective Bargaining The deal is foundational and through the continued attend the inaugural mass PFA Player Induction. Held 31. Partnerships support of players, we can make this a first step on over two days, the induction saw players undertake a the journey to a fully professional and world class series of workshops aimed at ensuring members get 33. People competition. the very most out of their careers. PLAYER DEVELOPMENT The Matildas juggernaut, meanwhile, continues Significantly, 2016/17 saw a record number of financial to gain huge momentum following a memorable members for the PFA and we pleasingly continue to 17. Player Development and Wellbeing in the USA that saw the see inroads made in all areas and we look forward Programs and Support team defeat the USA, and on their way to continuing to represent and stand up for all our to winning the tournament. The achievements and members’ interests and concerns. quality of the team’s performances over the past 12 months is testament to the increasingly professional The collective voice of the players is needed now, conditions for the players combined with the players’ more than ever, so thank you for your continued sacrifices for their sport. They are certainly pioneers, support and commitment. both for women’s sport and the increasingly improved conditions and standards for female players. Best Wishes,

Meanwhile, the Socceroos continue to do Australia proud on the international stage, their character and resilience constantly tested during a lengthy and arduous World Cup qualifying campaign. The players have conducted themselves with the utmost | PFA President professionalism and commitment to their country.

4 5 PFA Executive Committee

‘Run by players for players’

Player

Alex Wilkinson Representation PFA President PFA Executive PFA Executive PFA Executive

Gabe Marzano Nikolai Topor-Stanley PFA Executive PFA Executive PFA Executive PFA Executive

Brendan Schwab John Didulica Chairman Chief Executive

6 7 2007 - 2017 PFA Delegates

Tarek Elrich Natasha Rigby Recognising outstanding United FC Glory

Taylor Regan Melissa Maizels Adelaide United Phoenix Perth Glory service to their fellow

Jack Hingert Michael McGlinchey Roar Wellington Phoenix Sydney FC professionals

Luke DeVere Robbie Cornthwaite Brisbane Roar Western Sydney Wanderers Western Sydney Wanderers

Jade North Brisbane Roar Western Sydney Wanderers Western Sydney Wanderers

Antony Golec Mile Jedinak Central Coast Mariners Adelaide United Socceroos 2017 saw long serving PFA Executive and Vice President Ante Covic step down. We thank Ante Alexandra Chidiac for his commitment to the game, the players Central Coast Mariners Adelaide United Socceroos and the contribution he made. Manny City Brisbane Roar Socceroos

James Donachie Alex Wilkinson Melbourne Victory United Socceroos

Leigh Broxham Mat Ryan Melbourne Victory Canberra United Socceroos PFA Jason Geria Rahli Dobson Lydia Williams Melbourne Victory Melbourne City Matildas Life Members Jason Hoffman Newcastle Jets Melbourne City Matildas

Lachlan Jackson Alexandra Gummer Newcastle Jets Melbourne Victory Matildas

Chris Harold Gulkan Koca Tameka Butt Perth Glory Melbourne Victory Matildas

Liam Reddy Jenna Kingsley Elise Kellond-Knight Perth Glory Newcastle Jets Matildas

Brandon O’Neill Cassidy Davis Ante Covic Sydney FC Newcastle Jets PFA Life Member PFA Life Member PFA Life Member

8 9 Nationalities of our members Membership

Australia Spain Japan

PFA Members plied their trade in 27 different countries:

USA Australia New Zealand Indonesia Malaysia India Japan USA Iceland Uruguay Argentina Brazil Korea Iran Norway Spain Germany Switzerland Netherlands Denmark Scotland UAE Greece Portugal South Africa Myanmar Denmark England Finland Ireland Senegal

Tunisia Albania Croatia Macedonia Turkey

Age Breakdown

Of members Of members 12 % were under 20 17% were over 30

10 11 LegacyLegal & &Advocacy Advocacy Legal cases by membership group:

Matildas: 16.4%

Money secured by the PFA Total number of cases: A-League: 46.4% for members over the course Overseas Based Australian of the 2016/17 FY: Professionals: 31.5%

140 New cases National opened Players: 4.3%

National Centre of Excellence: 0.7% $4.85M 131 Cases Other: 0.7% closed

Types of cases:

Legal cases previous years comparison: Agent Collective Bargaining Contract Enforcement Contract Negotiation 13.6% Agreement 27.8% 26.4% 6.4%

2013 /14 142

2014 /15 115

2015 /16 120

Code of Conduct Image Rights / Transfer Regulations Other 2016 /17 7.9% Commercial 6.4% 7.9% 140 3.6% 25 50 75 100 125 150 12 LegacyCollective & Advocacy Bargaining The PFA were“ instrumental in ensuring we achieved an outcome that we Whole of Game Collective Bargaining Agreement W-League Collective Bargaining Agreement are all happy with The long form drafting of the Whole of Game CBA For the first time, a foundation has been laid for that covers the Socceroos, Matildas and A-League W-League players to play football as professionals. players was finalised in 2017 after almost 14 months and making sure of negotiation. There is still much work to do but - thanks to the solidarity across the players and the commitment of A centre-piece of the Whole of Game CBA is the Funding the player delegates - we now have a platform to build throughout the process Agreement that ties together the professional and from. The first ever Collective Bargaining Agreement personal development of all elite players, regardless is recognition of your increasing value as players and of what team they might play for at any given time. the increasing value of female footballers to the sport. that our rights were This ensures a cohesive and consistent service to all players – regardless of what stage of their football The minimum salary of $10,000 increasing to over journey they are on. $12,200 for next season is important because it will protected. help the 25% of players who still had to pay to play Through linking funding for the Player Development and will help over 50% of players who still needed to Program to the broadcast rights, the PFA was able to work long hours in addition to football just to get by. increase funding to $1.391m for the 2017/18 season, up from $850,000 in 2015/16, so it is a great tribute to Significantly, the CBA also provides critical insurance those players who fought for this principle. protection for players, minimum medical standards in line with A-League players, a maternity policy The scope of the PDP has now extended to include that can help support current and future mums, and ” education grants and supporting those uncontracted provide all W-League players with access to education W-LEAGUE CBA All CBAs will players who are transitioning out of full time funding and wellbeing support within the PFA Player expire in employment within football into other areas of work. Development Program. TERMS AND CONDITIONS June 2019 These two principles will expand the reach of the PFA 2017 - 2019 and help it support more players, more effectively. The next step is for the players to have a voice in BASE PLAYER PAYMENTS MINIMUM SALARY MINIMUM LEAGUE SPEND how the W-League evolves. We want a longer and PER CLUB The individual financial and non-financial benefits fairer season and we deserve the highest possible 2016: $2,500 2016: $50,000 2016: $450k EMPLOYMENT were also greatly enhanced through the CBA process. performance and professional standards at clubs so 2017: $10,000 2017: $180,000 2017: $1.62m Total spend on player wages is up across all teams that there are no barriers preventing you from being 2018: $12,287 2018: $221,166 2018: $1.99m

(for example, at least $3.2m across the A-League your best. For the first time, the players will have a voice MATERNITY POLICY and the Matildas payment pool increasing by over in this process. Through the Professional Women’s Up to $1,500 per week, Airfare and room funded FFA obliged to use best OTHER KEY football and non-football for players travelling with endeavours to find a sponsor 40% over the life of the CBA) while aspects such as Football Committee, the players will work directly BENEFITS income protection if injured a child 3 years old or to subsidise player private travel standards, minimum medical standards and with FFA and the W-League clubs to help shape the and unable to work younger health insurance costs insurances were enhanced. future of your workplaces and the W-League. Establishment of the MIN. 6 WEEK PROFESSIONAL Professional Women’s Football Minimum medical PRE-SEASON This journey is by no means over. As emerging STANDARDS Committee which will give players standards in line technologies and player brands evolve as well as & COMPETITION a strategic, advisory and 23 WEEK CONTRACT with A-League STRUCTURES influencing voice on all matters the demands on individual players becoming more complex, it is critical that the PFA stays abreast $100,000 of those trends and can continue its world class PFA & PLAYER W-League players gain contribution to the access to existing DEVELOPMENT Player Development advocacy on behalf of Australian footballers. Player Development Program Program

14 15 PFA Player Development Program

‘Developing, supporting and empowering Education Support outstanding people.’ PFA Members Player 78 supported with education funding Spent on PFA Members Development $120,000 to pursue education PFA Player Development and Wellbeing Programs and Support Financial Literacy Workshops at all A-League Clubs

attended the 108 PFA’s AFC Coach Accreditation Courses

The“ support of the PFA is a huge benefit and really helps to pursue our passions alongside our football careers and to develop in all aspects of our lives. ” Chris Harold 16 17

Targeted workshops were undertaken across the membership, including:

LinkedIn: Superannuation Workshop:

Business Basics: Networking: Obtaining a Boat Licence: “Knowing it was confidential made me feel comfortable Wellbeing Support

enough to ask 389 PFA members and club Up to 10 PFA members per staff were afforded skin cancer month accessed the PFA’s for help through checks National Wellbeing Network. Members sought support in the PFA. coping with: - Depression 100 PFA members took part in - Anxiety the Resilience Project, which - Stress focuses on three key themes: - Addiction ” - Gratitude - Empathy - Mindfulness

18 19 LegacyTransition and Change & Advocacy Support A Footballer’s Journey: Zone 1 Roadshow Preparing elite young footballers for all aspects of a professional career

100+ players attended the inaugural mass PFA Player Induction. Held over two days, the Induction saw players undertake a series of workshops aimed at ensuring members get the very most out of their careers. Workshops focused on areas such as: Expertise from the PFA and advice from current and former players

Resilience Financial Being an athlete Mental health Social Media Canberra, Perth, Sydney, Literacy in professional and wellbeing Melbourne (so far) sport

Nine players undertook work experience through the PFA Beyond the 90 Program. This included in fields such as: 600+ players/parents (so far)

Media Property Coaching Personal development Training

The inaugural PFA Alumni The PFA Aussie legends meeting was held with former played their first ever Soceroos, Matildas, A-League match facing Manchester and United Legends in a players meeting to discuss charity match in Perth to the state of Australian raise funds for the Dylan football with over 60 players Tombides Foundation. in attendance.

20 21 PFA Brand / Communications

Increase in the number of 11% Followers Understanding The Game

Increase in the number of 36% Followers

The Marston

Editions12

36Subscribers950%

22 23 City trio named in PFA W-League Team of LegacyMedia Coverage & Advocacy the Season. Victory duo named in PFA W-League Team of the Season.

Grassroots to Greatness Union plan to boost W-League pay and put women’s soccer on top of the world.

Chris Naumoff, what is he doing now? Former Sydney FC PFA Documentaries star opens up one year into retirement. David Cervinski drawing deep on his fighting spirit in cancer battle.

Professional Footballers Australia unveils ambitious plans to put W-League on top.

A-League and W-League Team of the Season A-League team of the season, 2016-2017: Professional Footballers Australia’s choice for season’s best.

Sydney FC account for more than half of Watch former Socceroo ’s story of hitting PFA’s all-star team. rock bottom.

25 PFA Research and Insights

The new role of Research and Insights Our landmark Player Pathway Study provided Executive was created to enhance the PFA’s unprecedented analysis of the careers of our position of thought leadership in Australian male players and has quickly become the football and player associations. touchstone for discussion about the health of Australian football’s development system. The past 12 months have seen an expansion of the PFA’s research and reporting capacity. We introduced a new policy to produce The new 2016/17 A-League and W-League technical reports tracking the performances reports provide one-stop, comprehensive of the Matildas and Socceroos in all major wrap-ups of the previous seasons including tournaments, starting with the Olympics and employment frameworks, injury reports, the Confederations Cup. We also analysed A Powerful stadium ratings and technical benchmarking. the first three years of the FFA Cup.

Association 2016/17 2016/17 PFA Player Pathway Matildas Rio W-League Report A-League Report Study Technical Report

FFA Cup three-year A-League half-year Socceroos Confederations study report Cup Technical Report

1626 27 PFA Footballer of the Year PFA Medal LegacyPFA Awards & Advocacy

2016/17 PFA 2016/17 PFA A-League Team of the Season W-League Team of the Season Aaron Mooy 2015/16 2016/17 2015/16 2016/17

PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year Inaugural PFA Young Women’s Footballer of the Year

Lydia Williams Sam Kerr Alex Chidiac 2015/16 2016/17 2016/17

Inaugural PFA Community Award

Alex Tobin OAM Medal Voted by“

Robbie Cornthwaite the players, 2017 for the players Harry Cheryl Kewell Salisbury 2016 2017 ” 28 29 Partnerships PFA Events

Recognising excellence“ on and off the pitch. LUCRF Super has been the major partner FIFPro is the representative organisation for of the PFA since 2009. They play a key role more than 65,000 professional footballers ” in providing superannuation and financial worldwide. Established in 1965 with the education to PFA members. As a result of the mission of supporting the players, FIFPro partnership, hundreds of the PFA’s members with its 55 members, three candidate The 2016 PFA Players’ Awards have joined LUCRF Super. Many have taken members and seven observer unions, makes The 2016 PFA Players’ Awards were held on 6 December 2016 at advantage of benefits that are open to all of it the biggest player union in the world. Palladium Crown in Melbourne to honour Harry Kewell as the 2016 our members, such as personalised financial Tobin Medal winner and announce the 2015/16 PFA award winners advice and a secure mobile app. For more The PFA has become an integral part of the in front of 300 guests. information visit www.lucrf.com.au ‘world players’ association, with PFA Life Member Francis Awaritefe elected a FIFPro Board Member and FIFPro Asia Deputy Chairman. In addition, PFA Player Relations Executives and Kate Gill serve on the FIFPro Asia Board. With over 180 of the PFA’s members based abroad, The 2017 PFA Players’ Awards University (VU) is known for its FIFPro has been integral in ensuring the industry-focused courses, flexible approach rights of PFA members are respected both The 2017 PFA Players’ Awards were held on 17 September 2017 to education, and supportive and culturally domestically and worldwide. in Newcastle to honour as the 2017 Tobin Medal diverse learning environment. VU’s research winner and announce the 2016/17 PFA award winners. The event and international reputation is also With an increasing amount of Australians was a celebration of football in Newcastle and women’s football regarded as world-class. Ranked in the top now plying their trade in Asia, FIFPro Asia with 200 guests including the current Matildas. 2% of universities globally (Times Higher has been vital in working towards reform in a Education World University Rankings), region that is widely regarded as the world’s Victoria University is world-class in the west. most difficult for players.

The 2017 PFA Player Agents Conference “To engage and educate on the decisions that impact on the lives of footballers.” In 2016 the PFA joined forces with John The PFA held its first Player Agents Conference on 27 April 2017 in Moriarty Football (JMF) to further enhance Melbourne, in partnership with Australian Football Agents Association the foundation’s work in engaging Indigenous and Gow Gates Insurance Brokers. Representatives from PwC, PFA, Gow Australians through football. To mark the new Gates Insurance and FFA addressed 44 guests on the topics of research partnership, the PFA’s Socceroos members on players’ career paths, tax, troubleshooting Asian player contracts and made an historic donation of $90,000 from A-League PCR’s, with a panel of A-league Football Directors on, “What their match fees from their World Cup clubs are looking for when recruiting” Qualification match against . 31 PFA People

PFA Staff

John Didulica Nick Farrugia Chief Executive Operations Assistant

Angela Collins Brianna Mann General Counsel Operations & Events Executive

Beau Busch Brett Taylor National Manager, Player Development Research & Insights Executive

Simon Colosimo Jim Files Player Relations Executive Digital & Social Media Coordinator

Kate Gill Jim Kourtis Player Relations Executive Finance (Part Time)

Shannon Beck Player Development & Partnership Executive

PFA Strategic Pillars

- Player Representation - Understanding the Game

- Player Development - A Powerful Association

32 33 Courage World Class Intelligence Trust Respect

Professional Footballers Australia @ thepfa 221/757 Bourke St, VIC 3008 | e. [email protected] | p. 1300 650 497 @ thepfa