In this interview we speak to the Professional Footballers Australia) PFA Chief Executive and General Counsel, Brendan Schuab. Its a fascinating interview and the observations are drawn from the perspective of an organistion that represents the interests of Australian professional football players, in Australia and overseas. Its a big brief for the PFA and good thing they are their to do the hevy lifting for players, because too many clubs don't when they should.
The FFA emphasises the need to develop and retain players in Australia, but is that always isn't in the interests of the individual player, parents or Australian football. Its cold comfort for young players and their parents in the ACT, to know that the A league, while producing the best standard of football since its inception, is by and large a financial basket case, without a sustainable financial model going forward. Of course, we in the ACT have no A league team and importantly, no Youth League team, so this makes the journey to professional status a bit harder for young best. The collapse of A league clubs has given rise to some unpleasant treatment of players with regard to ensuring that they are paid the monies owed to them. Good thing there is a Football union.
All the more reason to start doing you homework on the professional football environment, agents and so on, before the day arises when you must make decisions. For those parents that harbour desires for their children through professional football - you really do need to get across the subject.
You need all the help you can get to break into and earn a good living in professional football and when that golden time has passed, make a new life and earn a living in the community of your choice.
There is noshortage of obstacles to cross when you embark on the professional footballer's journey. The PFA is a very important organistation for professional players. Go to their website and you will notice that this orgainsation has the support of our current and former very best professional players.
Its important that parents and young players with ambitions to become a professional player, particularly those in elite programs such as ACTAS, become familiar with the "commercial" realities that encompass Football. The PFA seems to be a terrific resource and a trustworthy source of information.
The PFA (Professional Footballers Australia) exists for professional players:
1. Because we are strategically working to improve the terms and conditions of employment and the career paths and opportunities of all professional players.
2. Because we are a truly objective force working towards the advancement of the professional game in Australia.
3. Because we are the exclusive collective voice of Australia’s professional footballers.
4. Because we provide Australian professional footballers with a strong and united voice in Australia, Asia and, through FIFPro, the world footballers’ union, the football world.
5. Because we negotiate collective bargaining agreements for professional footballers that provide both fundamental and cutting edge rights and protections.
6. Because we help our Members find employment.
7. Because we help our Members negotiate playing contracts with their club.
8. Because we help our Members resolve disputes with clubs and football bodies.
9. Because we help our Members in their dealings with player agents.
10. Because we represent our Members in hearings before football and industrial courts and tribunals.
11. Because we help to promote and market our Members and the game.
12. Because we help Members at times of hardship.
13. Because we support our Members’ education both within and outside the game.
14. Because we help our Members prepare for life after football.
15. Because we support the welfare of our Members, both during their careers and afterwards.
16. Because we support our Members, both at home and around the world.
17. Because we help ensure that being a professional footballer is a great profession, and something to be proud of.
18. Because by joining the PFA you will not only help yourself, you will increase our powers to help all professionals
PFA website http://www.pfa.net.au/index.php?id=1
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