November 3 – The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has opened its union membership to players in the second tier of the Women’s Super League 2 (BWSL2).
The PFA opened up the opportunity to compete in recognition of the 12-team competition becoming fully professional. England is the only country in the world with two fully professional women’s leagues.
By joining the PFA, BWSL2 players gain access to support and representation on a range of issues relating to contracts, rights and terms. They are also eligible for the services and benefits of the PFA.
Maheta Molango, CEO of PFA, said: “Support for our members in the women’s game is at the heart of what the PFA does, and we are pleased to welcome players from a fully professional BWSL2 at such a crucial time for the women’s game.
“For any union to effectively represent its members, it needs recognition and a seat at the table when decisions are made. Agreements must be made on workers’ rights and conditions, and on transparency and proper forums that allow workers and their union to speak out if they feel these are not being met.
“The reality is that a lot of that infrastructure is simply not in place yet in the women’s game, but the change in management of the BWSL and BWSL2 has been a key moment for the women’s game in terms of embracing the need for much higher professional standards for players.”
The opening of the PFA to BWSL2 players follows an independent review led by former player Karen Carney, which looked at issues such as minimum standards for players, maternity rights and mental health support. The review also recommended funding for union representation for players in both leagues.
“Karen Carney’s review rightly pointed out that the services provided by the PFA to players in the women’s game needed to be properly funded by the organizers of the competitions they play in. That is something that has not happened for far too long, but with WSL Football now taking charge of the competitions, we are pleased that this has been addressed,” Molango said.
The agreement also follows a new PFNCC (Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee) for players in the BWSL and BWSL2, a similar committee that has existed in men’s sport for decades. The committee will be the main formal mechanism for issues to be discussed and agreed upon between the league and the players.
Holly Murdoch, COO, WSL Football, said: “Women’s football is on a steep upward trajectory, moving from amateur to professional in a remarkably short time. The steps we have taken to fully professionalise the BWSL2 are another step forward and our commitment to a player-centric approach ensures that every footballer in the BWSL and BWSL2 can benefit from the extensive support and expertise of the PFA.
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