People of the Union: Erin Clout (Australia)

People of the Union puts the spotlight on individuals across FIFPRO’s member associations who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of professional footballers.

Erin Clout, Head of Player Relations – Women at Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), talks about her passion for workplace safety and why players need a seat at the decision-making table.

FIFPRO: Tell us about yourself: what is your current role and what is your background? 

Erin Clout: My role is Head of Player Relations – Women at Professional Footballers Australia (PFA). I’ve been at the PFA for seven and a half years, with the majority of that time split between player development and player relations work.

I am now fully focused on organising and player relations, and that delivers a diverse set of responsibilities. There isn’t a typical day so to speak, but more periods of time that make it relatively consistent, working around the season windows, where pre- and post- season I am on the road visiting players and presenting to teams, during the season working to ensure compliance with our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and engaging heavily with the leagues and club leadership. The off-season is time for review, strategy and planning.

What issue affecting player welfare are you most passionate about? 

Workplace safety. Professional sport drifts in and out of upholding strong workplace standards and typically applies those standards if and when it suits the organisation. This normally occurs when there are obvious links to high performance.

Where football often falls short is around the behaviours that are not accepted in a ‘normal’ workplace, but sporting workplaces allow to occur, whether that be through locker room culture or a win-at-all-costs mentality. These approaches put players at a high risk of harm, both physically and psychologically.

Can you share one of your proudest moments or achievements working as a union representative? 

The most impactful piece of work I’ve been part of at the PFA is the Safe Football Project. It is ongoing but has been the accumulation of years of work alongside our members to understand deeply the challenges they face in relation to abuse, bullying and harassment. The project also allowed us to look at our union critically to understand where our gaps were in our ability to effectively support our members.

We didn’t rush it, and we are still working on it, but we have made massive strides to put the players at the heart of the work to ensure that we can proactively improve workplace standards, as well as respond appropriately if and when harm occurs. 

What is one lesson you’ve learned from working closely with players?

They know their industry better than anyone else – listen to them.

What is an emerging issue for players that you think needs more attention?

Those running the sport need to consider the players’ central role and make decisions with them, not without them. There cannot be unilateral decision-making that can have a massive impact on the players without first listening and genuinely consulting with them.

Who are the women – inside or outside of football – who have inspired your journey in this field?

There are two women who have been instrumental in my work at the PFA: former Co-CEO of the PFA and former FIFPRO board member, Kate Gill, and human rights lawyer and CEO of Athlead, Kat Craig.

I was lucky enough to work closely with Kate from my first day at the PFA up until her last day as Co-CEO.  She helped bring me into the union and took a vested interest in my development to ensure I was not just equipped to do my role but prepare me for those in my future. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Kat has not just been a mentor to the PFA when launching the Safe Football Project, but a friend who I can call on when I need a word of advice or someone to talk through a challenging matter with. It’s a difficult space that can be heavy to manage, but having one of the best in the world to be your sounding board is special.

Both Kate and Kat’s resumes and achievements speak for themselves, but their care towards players, and selfishly – towards me - make them two of the most important people in my professional journey.

How do you stay motivated as a woman working in the football industry?

It’s easy to stay motivated when you deeply believe in the cause. We’ve seen the positive impact women’s football has on not just women’s rights more broadly, but progressing social causes across the globe, whether it’s LGBTQIA+ rights, anti-racism, or taking climate action.

The better careers our players have, the better lives they get to live, the more they can inspire the next generation and have a positive impact on their communities.

What is your all-time favourite football memory – whether as a fan, player, or union rep?

It feels obvious to say but the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The games were incredible, but I just loved walking towards the stadiums on matchday to see Australia play.

The sheer number of people wearing green and gold with their favourite player’s name on their backs. From my first Matildas game in 2000 as an eight-year-old, to Australia’s most-watched event in my lifetime, it was completely unimaginable.

Outside of football, what has been capturing your attention or interest lately?

I recently got married so I am happily enjoying reliving those moments, along with a recent trip to Italy.

FIFPRO turns 60 this year. What gives you hope about the future of our union work, the game and those who play it?

The people in it – the quality of staff we have across the union space and the quality of our delegates and player leaders who will lead our unions in the future. The future of the movement is in good hands.