BRIDGWATER and District TUC has urged the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) to seek affiliation, highlighting the importance of trade union support for footballers. 

The call comes following a meeting with an appearance by the PFA’s assistant head of personal development and former footballer Oshor Williams, who spoke about the pressures and risks facing footballers. 

Williams raised issues such as the serious and long-term injuries caused by playing the sport as well as the mental health problems and brain injuries sustained from head concussion.

Other industrial-related issues included early retirement — which often leads to loss of income, as well as loss of status. 

Affiliated to the General Federation of Trades Unions, the PFA has 100 per cent
membership among professional footballers, and women players are represented on
the Board of Governors. Recent successes have included a defeat of the footballers’
salary cap proposal, a U-turn on reduction of sick-pay arrangements. 

Bridgwater and District trades council secretary Dave Chapple said: “The PFA does a great job. One day, perhaps, the protection they provide will be extended to non-League players as well.”