On the eve of the England women’s team arrival in China for the start of the World Cup, the PFA is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached between the professional players’ union and The FA for the women’s squad to become members of the PFA.The agreement will also mean that all future England women internationals will also have the opportunity to join the union, and receive some of the same medical, legal and educational benefits that are available to professional players competing in the Premier League and Football League.Whilst this is not the first time that women have been offered membership of the union (the Fulham women’s team that became professional in the 2000/2001 season were also given membership), this is the first time that the achievements of the national squad has been recognised.The PFA has always shown a strong commitment to equality within the game - they were a founding member of the ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ campaign in 1993 - and will be working with the football authorities to look at ways that even more women get the chance to become members of the organisation once the tournament is over.To help illustrate the organisation’s commitment to this partnership, the PFA’s Head of Coaching, Jim Hicks will travel to China, to be on hand to provide support and assistance to the squad about the role of the union, should it be required. Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the PFA, said "We are delighted to be welcoming the England players as members of the players’ union, as improving the equality and diversity of the game has always been a cornerstone of the organisation. " We hope that as the women's game continues to grow and expand in this country, we will be welcoming even more women into the union over the next few years".Hope Powell, England Women's Head Coach also commented, "On behalf of the players I am delighted that the PFA has chosen to recognise and support the England women's squad on the eve of the World Cup in China."The elite women's game has made huge strides forward in the last fifteen years, and whilst the financial rewards for female players may be still meagre, the advice, knowledge and support that the players can now call upon will be hugely welcome."I would particularly like to thank Gordon Taylor and Simon Johnson (The FA's Director of Corporate Affairs) for their roles in ensuring the country's best female footballers receive such a timely boost ahead of the biggest tournament of their careers."Notes•For further information on the England team, please visit www.thefa.com•For further information on the PFA, please visit www.givemefootball.com•For press enquires, please contact the following representatives of the PFAGordon Taylor, Chief Executive – 0161 236 0575Bobby Barnes, Assistant Chief Executive – 0207 236 5148Jim Hicks, Head of Coaching – 07802 684 419Alison Vaughan, Equalities Development Executive – 07703 125 253
