Sport & Connected Communities

PFA

The PFA has an extensive community programme with a budget of around £7 million. These activities began in 1986 and at the time generally involved player appearances which were seen as ‘a significant motivational factor to effect positive change in … society’. Since these early days, the programme has been extended to all 92 professional football clubs and now involves a range of initiatives and partnerships with local organisations. This is their mission statement;

‘The PFA are committed to raising the profile and awareness of the extensive work and participation of players in support of Community and Charitable activities. PFA Community involvement extends across many areas such as: Health, Education, Social Inclusion, and Equalities, underlining our commitment to make a positive difference in society.

As a department we continue to be proactive, continue to raise standards of support to players, and encourage greater support from football clubs to adapt their philosophy toward corporate social responsibility.

Key objectives of the PFA Community department:

  • To facilitate and implement a co-ordinated and structured approach to increased player support for community initiatives thus raising the profile of the PFA and its continued commitment to Community work.
  • To provide representation for the PFA on National Committees and Working Parties, such as the premier League/PFA Community Fund, Football League Trust, Football Foundation, The Princes Trust, The National Literacy Trust, Kick it Out, etc, to re-enforce the PFA’s unique commitment through it’s members to Community/Charitable initiatives.
  • To collate and present a statistical analysis for the PFA in support of all Community player involvement linked to a number of designated themes: – Health, Education, Social Inclusion, Anti-racism, Disabilities, Girls/Women, and Schools, with Safeguarding Children a strand running through all activities.
  • To evaluate player involvement in those organisations where the PFA have pledged significant financial support i.e. The Princes Trust, The National Literacy Trust, Kick it Out, Show Racism the Red Card, etc.
  • To maintain a strong PFA presence out at the Football Clubs through regular visits and meetings with Chief Executives, PFA Delegates, Press Officers and Community Officers.
  • To raise the profile of player involvement at Clubs through its own PFA publication ‘Profile’ and Website contributions.
  • To engage with other National Governing bodies and specialist agencies to promote the benefit of sport, exercise, and healthy lifestyles’”

Further details can be found here; http://www.thepfa.com/community/about