PFA’s Rita Mankowska underscores the Player Development Program’s importance

The PFA has recently released their 2024 annual Player Development Program (PDP) report highlighting their achievements in supporting players as they navigate their lives within the world of football.

In an interview with Soccerscene, Rita Mankowska, the PFA Head of Player Development, discusses the recent PDP report, coaching development, and much more.

What are the major feelings and thoughts about the recent report in the PFA?

Rita Mankowska: It’s always satisfying reflecting on what the program has achieved and how we have been able to support our members on a collective level, but also individually.

We now have over 1,000 members who can connect to the program, and everyone has different needs for our resources. So that’s a thousand different potential ways the PFA can support each individual, which keeps our team busy, but also gives us great satisfaction too.

The growth of the program is strategic as we’re always looking at new ways, we can enhance the PDP. But it is also a response to the increase in players seeking our services. So, our job is really to respond to and meet those demands, so that every player is supported. The players rated their satisfaction with the program at 97%, which is a good indication that we are meeting their needs.

How has the increase in membership impacted the PDP?

Rita Mankowska: The expansion in membership is due to two reasons: the re-inclusion of Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women and the growth of our Past Players Program.

The program will increase again with the inclusion of Auckland FC, and we have recently appointed Kirsty Yallop as Auckland’s Player Development Manager to help support the players at the new A-League Men’s team for the forthcoming season.

An increase in membership ultimately results in a greater number of players accessing the Program’s resources, so we have had to ensure regular quality improvement initiatives to ensure the ongoing success of the program.

For the last five years we have added more support staff, we survey players frequently on the Programs they want us to invest in and means test programs to ensure that our core services are meeting the changing demands of our growing membership.

Do any of the results reflect a significant change in the footballing community and the PFA?

Rita Mankowska: A trend we are currently experiencing is the increase of Australian female footballers heading overseas for employment opportunities.  All overseas players have a PFA Player Development Manager; however, this trend led us to form a partnership with Sporting Chance Clinic UK to bolster our existing Mental Health Referral Network and provide additional coverage for members based overseas. Through Sporting Chance, players based in a different time zone can access mental health support.

Tell us about the rise in mental health and well-being support in the PDP what does that tell you about your work and the current climate?

Rita Mankowska: We have experienced a significant increase in the number of confidential counselling sessions accessed by our members over the last five years. While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons behind this trend, it’s likely down to several factors including the de-stigmatisation of mental health in society, general word of mouth between members and a high level of promotion of the service from PFA staff.

Despite the increase, numbers are still in keeping with national averages for those suffering from and seeking assistance for mental health support.

Coaching development and workshops have been important in this PFA. Why has the PFA focused on this and what positive results come from this work?

Rita Mankowska: Over the last two years we have worked closely with Football Australia’s coach education team to try to reduce the barriers of entry for current and past players to develop into coaches.  Thankfully, our efforts have paid off as players have taken advantage of the reduced face-to-face contact hours in AFC Coaching courses, which recognise professional players’ prior knowledge of the game.

We had over 70 current and potential members registered across B and C Diploma courses and held a goalkeeper B Diploma in collaboration with Football Australia for the first time.

With players transitioning into professional coaching roles in growing numbers, we saw an important opportunity to facilitate and subsidise coaching licences.

With regards to skill development workshops, players welcomed the return of these following a hiatus during COVID, showing that face-to-face learning is still an important way to impart knowledge to our members.

How will these results in the recent PFA affect the future season and activity of the PFA?

Rita Mankowska: Moving forward, we will continue to strive to achieve our mission which is to support players with their careers, well-being and retirement via high-quality, evidence-based programs and services.

What are some of the goals the PFA are striving for now after the PDP report?

Rita Mankowska: We compile the annual PDP report for two core reasons; firstly, to ensure that we can demonstrate to the clubs and Football Australia the program’s impact, as the funding for the program comes via our collective agreements with the Leagues and governing body, and, secondly, so we can assess and refine the program. So, our immediate focus will be on assessing our programs and then enhancing them heading into a new A-Leagues season.

Rita Mankowska and the PFA’s hard work in this report identifies matters that hit home with footballers and showcases their drive to achieve more in the coming years, to the benefit of all.

To read more of the report, click here.

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PFA issues legal threat to Premier League over new financial rules

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has issued a legal threat to the Premier League, warning of potential legal action if new financial rules are passed without union consultation and approval.

The PFA alleges that the league and its clubs have deliberately withheld critical information about the proposed squad cost rules (SCR) and top-to-bottom anchoring (TBA). These changes, according to the union, could severely impact player wages and club finances.

Legal Warning Over SCR and TBA

The Premier League and its 20 clubs voted on the proposed rules during a meeting on 13 February. In a letter addressed to the league and its stakeholders, the PFA’s legal team stated they “anticipate being instructed to commence legal proceedings” if the rules are approved without adequate consultation with the union.

The union has demanded a written guarantee from the league by 4 pm on 11 February, confirming its intention to fully consult the PFA on the matter. Failure to do so will also trigger legal action.

The PFA described the proposed squad cost rules and top-to-bottom anchoring system as “fundamentally flawed” and expressed deep concerns about their potential consequences for players and clubs alike.

What Are the SCR and TBA?

The squad cost rules (SCR) would limit clubs to spending a maximum of 85 per cent of their revenue on squad-related expenses, aligning with similar rules introduced by UEFA. From next season, UEFA plans to reduce its revenue-to-spending cap to 70 per cent for clubs involved in its competitions.

The top-to-bottom anchoring (TBA) system, however, is more contentious. It would enforce a strict cap on how much a club can spend on squad costs, calculated as five times the amount received by the club earning the least from central Premier League funds.

Critics, including the PFA, argue that TBA effectively introduces an indirect cap on player salaries. Some clubs, such as Manchester United and Manchester City, have also expressed opposition to the proposal, fearing it would weaken their ability to compete with elite European teams.

Accusations of Withholding Information

The PFA has accused the Premier League of failing to follow proper consultation protocols, which are required for any matters impacting player wages or conditions.

Under the rules, the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) must consult with the PFA through the Professional Game Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC). Any changes that affect players cannot proceed without the union’s agreement.

However, the PFA’s lawyers, Mills and Reeve, claim the Premier League missed its own deadline to provide an updated version of the SCR before Christmas. Instead, clubs received the document on 9 January—too late for meaningful discussions during a PFNCC meeting held on 8 January.

The union further alleges it only received the full 87-page SCR manual after an ad-hoc PFNCC meeting on 20 January, despite indications that clubs had access to the document as early as July last year.

PFA’s Position on the Financial Rules

The PFA remains firmly opposed to the introduction of TBA, stating it imposes an unnecessary cap on player wages under the guise of financial regulation.

The union believes such measures are not only unfair to players but also risk undermining the competitiveness of Premier League clubs on the international stage.

In their letter to the Premier League’s legal team at Linklaters, the PFA’s lawyers described the handling of the proposed financial rules as “flagrant breaches” of the league’s obligations to consult with the union.

As the 13 February vote has taken place, the tension between the PFA and the Premier League appears to be escalating, with the prospect of legal proceedings looming should the union’s demands for consultation remain unmet.

Australian Championship set to revolutionise domestic football

Football Australia has unveiled the “Australian Championship,” a groundbreaking new competition that promises to reshape the nation’s football landscape.

Officially launching in October 2025, the Championship will serve as a vital bridge between state-based competitions and the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s system, bringing clubs, players, and communities closer together.

This announcement comes on the heels of the October confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format, marking a significant milestone in Australian football.

The Australian Championship will provide a national platform for clubs and players to showcase their talent while fostering stronger connections with fans and communities across the country.

Competition Format and Vision

The Australian Championship will feature 16 teams competing in a dynamic format designed to balance competitive integrity and fan engagement. The competition will include:

Group Stage: Four groups of four teams playing home-and-away fixtures.

Elimination Finals: The top two teams from each group advancing to knockout rounds.

Grand Final: The inaugural champion to be crowned in December 2025.

This structure highlights Football Australia’s ambition to create an inclusive, exciting, and commercially sustainable competition that celebrates the depth of Australian football talent.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson spoke on the importance of this announcement for the future of Australian football.

“The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition,” Johnson said in the press release.

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.”

Founding Clubs and National Representation

The competition will include eight Foundation Clubs with storied histories, such as APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW), representing some of the strongest footballing traditions in the country.

Joining them will be eight Member Federation clubs drawn from the National Premier Leagues (NPL) across all states and territories.

This model ensures representation from every corner of the national football community, giving grassroots and state-level clubs an opportunity to compete on a larger stage.

Core Pillars of the Australian Championship

The Australian Championship aims to unite Australian football under the following key values:

Authenticity: Honouring historic clubs, iconic venues, and long-standing rivalries.

Discovery: Showcasing emerging talent and rising stars from across the nation.

Connection: Strengthening ties between grassroots, state competitions, and professional pathways.

Pride and Belonging: Celebrating football’s ability to bring players, fans, and communities together.

A New Era for Australian Football

With its launch, the Australian Championship is set to redefine the country’s domestic football ecosystem, creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and fans. Football Australia’s initiative reflects a commitment to building a thriving national competition while staying true to the rich heritage and passion that underpin Australian football.

As October 2025 approaches, anticipation will only grow for what promises to be a transformative moment in the nation’s sporting history.

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