PFA supports record number of educational grants

There were 215 grants allocated for players engaged in educational or vocational pursuits over two different periods and within this group, 43 were W-League players and seven were Matildas.

🗣️ In today's #TalkingPointTuesday, we highlight a record number of @ALeague and @WLeague players accessing #EducationGrants in the past 12 months, as players continue to embrace personal development on and off the pitch 🎓 👩‍💻👨‍💻⚽ pic.twitter.com/PoabTdZ34O

— The PFA (@thepfa) September 4, 2018

The numbers reflect an increasing number of players are enrolled in Bachelor or Masters Degrees, Diplomas, short courses, coaching courses and language classes.

It represents the largest number of grants awarded by the PFA through the Collective Bargaining Agreement and is also the first time W-League players have been supported with education funding since the historic CBA in September 2017.

So so so privileged to have received an education grant from @thepfa , first it was an Engineering and Science degree, now it’s helping me learn German! Thanks for all your support in my personal development! #grateful👩🏼‍🔬 👩🏼‍🎓 🇩🇪 https://t.co/0Dd9xiFkFn

— Alexandra Gummer (@gummmybear3) September 4, 2018

A major component of the PFA’s Player Development Program, which is designed to support and encourage players’ endeavours off the pitch, members can access start-up assistance to offset course fees, or cover the cost of educational courses.

Over $300,000 has been allocated to players through the Player Development Program initiative.