Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and the Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) have confirmed a new partnership aimed at establishing an official link between professional players and their fans.
The agreement sets out for the two organisations to work together on initiatives that:
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Foster stronger, more genuine connections between players and supporters
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Enhance the involvement of players and fans in football decision-making
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Produce data-driven insights to support the long-term growth of the game
Founded in 2023, the FSAA is a volunteer organisation created to provide a unified, independent voice for Australian football supporters, prioritising a supporter-first approach.
The FSAA represents the interests of fans across all levels of the game and has recently submitted supporter-focused recommendations to Football Australia (FA) and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).
PFA Chief Executive, Beau Busch highlighted the significance of the new strong foundation already established with the FSAA and the potential for future collaboration.
“Since the establishment of FSAA, we have been able to build an effective working relationship, and this agreement represents another step forward in our shared pursuit of building the game,” he said via PFA press release.
“Globally, we have seen firsthand the benefits of strong collaboration between fan groups and player unions.
“Together we believe we are better equipped to shape the future of Australian football and ensure that the voices of fans and players are heard and respected.”
FSAA Chair, Patrick Clancy described the accord with the PFA as a natural connection between the organisations representing Australian football’s two key groups, players and supporters.
“Australia’s professional players have an inextricable connection with supporters. Many have grown up on the terraces and in the stands and then progress to taking on the game as a career,” he said via FSAA official media release.
“For supporters, there is that strong emotional connection with the players of the club they support week in, week out.
“FSAA wants to continue to foster and grow this important relationship, leverage off our mutual understandings and improve the game in Australia for players and supporters alike.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 20 October 2025 by PFA CEO Beau Busch and FSAA Chair Patrick Clancy, formalising the partnership.
This represents the FSAA’s first MoU with another organisation, with the expectation of establishing additional partnerships in the near future.
