The PFA is delighted to have set another precedent in this our Centenary year.Whilst continuing to look after the welfare of our male members, we are pleased to offer associate membership to the England women's national squad.Hope Powell's girls are currently making excellent progress through the World Cup finals, and they do so as acknowledged PFA members following an innovative move by this organisation.As far as we are aware, no other players' union in the world has offered representation of this kind and we are delighted to offer our servives to the girls flying the English flag in the Far East. PFA Head of Coaching Jim Hicks, who has been out in China following England's progress to the quarter finals, knows that the PFA gesture is fully appreciated by playing squad and management alike. FIFA delegates too have welcomed this initiative."I haven't had the chance to speak to the players because we want them to concentrate fully on the task at hand," said Jim. "But I know that Hope Powell, the management team and the FA are delighted we have shown this commitment."While I was out in China I spoke to the likes of Brian Barwick and Trevor Brooking from the FA and they thihk it is fantastic that the PFA has got involved in this way, and that the organisation has had representation at the women's World Cup."This is something that we have been working on, mainly through discussions with England's assistant manager Brent Hills, since the start of the year and we are delighted to offer the girls representing this country at the World Cup associate membership."It means that we can help the girls in terms of marketing themselves and perhaps getting boot deals and kit sponsorship. We can also assist them in terms of funding education courses they may wish to undertake."The women's game has taken great strides forward and we are proud to be involved with the England national team in this way. It is something Gordon Taylor has backed all the way and we are honoured to be taking such a lead on the international stage."It is the first time any players' union has created and backed this sort of initiative and we hope that other organisations around the world follow the PFA's lead in years to come."England secured their passage to the World Cup quarter finals with an emphatic 6-1 win over Argentina, and Jim added: "The girls have been fantastic in their games so far and a credit to the country. Let's hope they can now go all the way."Twenty two girls who are representing England have been given associate membership to the PFA and Gordon was also keen for Steph Houghton, who broke her leg just before the squad flew out to China, to be represented too."
