November 3 – The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has opened up its union membership to players in the second tier of the Women’s Super League 2 (BWSL2).
The PFA opened up eligibility to join in recognition of the 12-team league having become fully professional. England is the only country in the world with two fully professional women’s leagues.
Joining the PFA will give BWSL2 players access to support and representation across a range of issues relating to contracts, rights and conditions. They will also qualify for the services and benefits provided by the PFA.
Maheta Molango, PFA CEO, said: “Support for our members in the women’s game is at the heart of what the PFA does, and we’re pleased to be able to welcome players from a fully professional BWSL2 at such a vital time for the women’s game.
“For any union to represent its members effectively it needs recognition and a seat at the table when decisions are being made. It needs there to be agreed employee rights and conditions, and transparency and proper forums that allow employees and their union to speak up when they feel these are not being met.
“The reality is that a lot of that infrastructure just hasn’t been in place 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 far greater professional standards for players.”
The opening up of the PFA to BWSL2 players follows an independent review led by former player Karen Carney that looked at issues including minimum standards for players, maternity rights and mental health support. The review also recommended the funding of 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 organisers of the competitions they play in. That’s something that for far too long had not happened but, with WSL Football now taking on the running of the leagues, we’re pleased that this has been addressed,” said Molango.
The agreement also follows a new PFNCC (Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee) covering players in the BWSL and BWSL2, a similar committee has existed in the men’s game for decades. The committee will be the primary formal mechanism for issues to be discussed and agreed between the league and the players.
Holly Murdoch, COO, WSL Football, said: “The women’s game is on a steep upwards trajectory, evolving from amateur to professional in a remarkably short time. The steps we have put into place to fully professionalise the BWSL2 is another move forward and our commitment to a player-centred approach ensures every footballer in the BWSL and BWSL2 can benefit from the PFA’s comprehensive support and expertise.
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