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PFA SCOTLAND “PLAYER” NEWSLETTER EIGHTH EDITION

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Jack Ross

PFA Scotland is delighted to make available the eighth edition of its “Player” newsletter.

Included in this edition are features on the Annual PFA Scotland Careers Day which takes place on the 24th April along with detailed timetable information for the day and further discussion on career planning and potential educational opportunities for players

There is a also a look back at the recent successful media course hosted for players as well as information on the appeals procedures, bonus agreements and a global perspective on artificial turf.

To read the newsletter online please click on the following link:

PFA
Scotland Issue 8

 

 

 

 

 

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PFA SCOTLAND ATTENDS DON’T FIX IT CONFERENCE

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Jack Ross

 

PFA Scotland last week attended the two day transnational training course for the FIFPro UEFA “Don’t Fix It” project hosted in Budapest, Hungary.

There were more than 50 delegates in attendance including PFA Scotland’s Jack Ross who led a group of other stakeholders from within Scottish football made up of the SFA’s Andrew McKinlay and John Fleming, and Iain Blair from the SPL.  There were a further eight countries (England, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Romania and Slovenia) represented by officials from players unions, integrity officers, football associations and referees.

On the first day of the training conference, FIFPro had arranged for a number of well respected speakers such as investigative journalist Declan Hill, sports lawyer Kevin Carpenter, Transparency International’s Sylvia Schenk, Interpol’s training officer Julie Norris, Birkbeck University’s Andy Harvey, Markus Juhola of the Finnish players union and Ian Smith from the Professional Cricketers Association.

These speakers provided delegates with information about match-fixing, prevention, training and education.  Furthermore they also shared their experiences, opinions and advice with the audience during panel discussions.

On the second day, those in attendance worked with the information they had received and started to build towards the establishment of a training and education programme in their respective countries.  This participation and co-operation is a crucial step towards the main goal of the Don’t Fix It project which is the establishment of strong and relevant networks on a European and national levels.

FIFPro Board Member and PFA Scotland President Tony Higgins who chaired the event offered his thoughts. “I was tremendously impressed by the enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge of the delegates, and each country has made a commitment on this FIFPro-UEFA project.”

“Furthermore, the quality of speakers throughout the two days was remarked upon by the delegates and I have no doubt that their quality enhanced the commitment offered to the drafting of each country’s programmes”

“The issue of match-fixing will now play a central part in each of the countries relationships with its key stakeholders, i.e. players, referees, club officials, football associations and government agencies.”

UEFA’s Integrity officer Urs Kluser added “We all have to join sides and leave sports and politics aside in order to make this programme a success.  We had two interesting days and my list of things I want to implement in UEFA is getting bigger and bigger.”

The next item on the “Don’t Fix It” agenda is very important as now all participating countries will commence the organisation of their own respective National conference and training programmes.

Jack Ross from PFA Scotland who will oversee the next development in Scotland said “We are very much looking forward to implementing the next stage of the “Don’t Fix It” project within Scotland and have already started the planning process.  We are grateful for the support to date from other stakeholders in our game as demonstrated by their attendance and participation in Budapest, and anticipate the continuation of this relationship with respect to education and prevention in this area.”

 

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PFA SCOTLAND PLAYER AVAILABILITY

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Jack Ross

There are a continuing number of players adding their details to the Player Availability section of our website, and therefore players are reminded that they can do so by contacting a member of the PFA Scotland team.

Currently, the list of players includes those from across all positions and with a wide range of experience in the game, from recently released apprentice players to vastly experienced professionals.

The list can be accessed via the following link:

http://pfascotland.co.uk/player-availability/

 

 

 

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Jack Ross

PFA Scotland would like to make members aware of a full time employment opportunity which may be of interest to them.

The role of Football Development Officer in Angus is being advertised by both Angus Council and the Scottish Football Association.

Should players wish further information on the job description, requirements and salary then please click on the link below:

https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?s=4A515F4E5A565B1A&jobid=162783,1234868614&key=154781894&c=65128723985746&pagestamp=seotmwowhfnlkpieub

 

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WARREN HAWKE LEAVES PFA SCOTLAND

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Fraser Wishart

As from today Warren Hawke has  left his position as commercial consultant with PFA Scotland Enterprises Limited. The consultancy contract with Warren and his company Strenua Limited will not be renewed and with immediate effect they no longer work for or represent PFA Scotland.

Warren has undertaken consultancy work for Enterprises Limited for some time now and we wish him and his company well with future projects.

 

 

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FIFPro ONLINE DEGREE: FLEXIBLE LEARNING FOR PLAYERS

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Jack Ross

PFA Scotland would like to remind players of FIFPro’s Online Academy and the opportunities it presents for professional players.

Entering its third year the Online Academy offers a degree in Sports Management hosted by the University of Northern Denmark with all learning undertaken online providing fantastic flexibility for participants.

The cost of this degree course is met by FIFPro with only nominal costs being incurred by players for items such as payment for books.  The degree course undoubtedly requires commitment and hard work for players enrolling, but equally it provides a fantastic opportunity for players to undertake a degree course which is relevant to sport.

Commenting on the course PFA Scotland Education Co-ordinator Craig Flannigan said ” I recently attended a gathering at FIFPro’s headquarters in the Netherlands where representatives from eighteen other unions were present.  Personally, I was really enthused by not only the structure of the course, but also the flexibility it offers.  I believe that any player keen to pursue such further education should give serious consideration to enrolling for this degree.”

A number of players have already enquired about this degree and therefore should any other players wish further information then please contact Jack Ross or Craig Flannigan at PFA Scotland.

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DIDIER DROGBA OPENS NEW FIFPro HOUSE

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Jack Ross

FIFPro, the worldwide Professional Footballers Association enlisted the services of former Chelsea star Didier Drogba to officially open the new FIFPro House in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

The current Galatasaray striker and Honorary President of FIFPro Division Africa, blasted a shot through a paper window to symbolise the move into the new modern three storey building near Schipol Airport.

Approximately 300 guests attended the ceremony with representatives from many stakeholders in football such as FIFA’s Vice President Geoffrey Thompson, the EPFL’s CEO Emanuel de Medeiros, UEFA and the European Commission.  Further guests included representatives from FIFPro’s 50 member unions from across the globe, founder member of FIFPro Roger Blanpain and FIFPro’s two honorary presidents Gordon Taylor and Gerardo Movilla.

There was also many professional players in attendance with representation from clubs such as Ajax, Feyenoord and Chelsea.

FIFPro Secretary General Theo van Seggelen preferred not to grab the spotlight at the opening saying “The FIFPro House is built for the players.  It is more appropriate that they play the biggest role in the opening of the new office.  Today, the spotlight belongs to them.”

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PLAYER AVAILABILITY

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Jack Ross

PFA Scotland would like to continue to make players and clubs aware of the Player Availability section hosted on its website.

There is an increasing number of players choosing to maximise awareness of their availability with the list currently consisting of the likes of former Dunfermline striker Andy Kirk, ex Falkirk midfielder David Weatherston and former Dumbarton left back James Creaney.

Any player wishing to have their details listed should simply contact a member of the PFA Scotland team, and if any clubs express interest in a particular player we simply put the two parties in contact.

*The full list of currently available Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Forwards can be found by clicking on the Player Availability link at the top right hand side of our website.

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PFA SCOTLAND AWARDS WINNERS

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Jack Ross

Following the Annual Awards Dinner at the Hilton in Glasgow on Sunday, the full list of winners were:

Special Merit Award Winner: Craig Brown CBE, presented by Alex Smith

 

Goal of the Season: Bryan Prunty (Dumbarton), presented by PFA Scotland Chairman John Rankin

 

Manager of the Year: Allan Johnston (Queen of the South), presented by Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes

 

Third Division Player of the Year: Lee Wallace (Rangers), presented by Craig Gordon

Second Division Player of the Year: Nicky Clark (Queen of the South), presented by Alan Rough

First Division Player of the Year: Lyle Taylor (Falkirk), presented by BBC Scotland’s Catriona Shearer

Young Player of the Year: Leigh Griffiths (Hibernian), presented by Richard Gough

SPL Player of the Year: Michael Higdon (Motherwell), presented by Alex McLeish

 

 

 

 

 

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PFA SCOTLAND TEAMS OF THE YEAR

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Jack Ross

PFA Scotland is delighted to announce the Teams of the Year for all four divisions in Scotland.  Each player throughout the leagues is asked to select the team of the year in their respective league in a 4-3-3 formation.

Each team is recognised at the Annual Gala Awards Ceremony on Sunday 5th May at the Glasgow Hilton with every player listed receiving a commemorative engraved medal.

SPL Team of the Year

Darren Randolph (Motherwell FC)

Adam Matthews (Celtic FC)

Shaun Hutchinson (Motherwell FC)

Kelvin Wilson (Celtic FC)

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic FC)

Andrew Shinnie (Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC)

Victor Wanyama (Celtic FC)

Nicky Law (Motherwell FC)

Niall McGinn (Aberdeen FC)

Michael Higdon (Motherwell FC)

Leigh Griffiths (Hibernian FC)

 

Division One Team of the Year

Scott Fox (Partick Thistle FC)

Stephen O’Donnell (Partick Thistle FC)

Jordan McMillan (Dunfermline Athletic FC now Partick Thistle FC)

Callum Morris (Dunfermline Athletic FC)

Aaron Sinclair (Partick Thistle FC)

Stefan Scougall (Livingston FC)

Michael Tidser (Greenock Morton FC)

Stuart Bannigan (Partick Thistle FC)

Brian Graham (Raith Rovers FC)

Lyle Taylor (Falkirk FC)

Chris Erskine (Partick Thistle FC)

 

Division Two Team of the Year

Lee Robinson (Queen of the South FC)

Chris Mitchell (Queen of the South FC)

Mark Durnan (Queen of the South FC)

Ben Gordon (Alloa FC)

Chris Higgins (Queen of the South FC)

Alan Trouten (Brechin City FC)

Ryan McCord (Alloa FC)

Daniel Carmichael (Queen of the South FC)

Andy Jackson (Brechin City FC)

Nicky Clark (Queen of the South FC)

Steven Doris (Arbroath FC)

 

Division Three Team of the Year

Jamie Barclay (Clyde FC)

Stephen McNally (Montrose FC)

Ricky Little (Queens Park FC)

Lee McCulloch (Rangers FC)

Lee Wallace (Rangers FC)

Lee Currie (Berwick Rangers FC)

David Anderson (Queens Park FC)

Daniel Moore (Elgin City FC)

Andrew Little (Rangers FC)

Rory McAllister (Peterhead FC)

David Templeton (Rangers FC)

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KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS, A CONCERN FOR PLAYERS

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Jack Ross

Former professional football player Dr Vincent Gouttebarge is a senior researcher at the Coronel Institute of Occupational Health from the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam who contributes to FIFPro’s website with a regular series of blogs.

In his most recent article, Vincent discusses the risks of serious knee problems that professional players endure both during and after their playing career.  Commenting on his piece Vincent said “Just as elite athletes in other sports disciplines, professional players are continually exposed during their careers to high energetic load and intense physical activities such as sprinting, jumping and landing, sudden twisting and turning, sliding and dribbling.  If this continuous exposure becomes excessive when compared to recovery time, health-related problems such as injuries, illnesses or mood disturbances may occur.”

To read the full article go to: http://www.fifpro.org/news/news_details/2252

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Manuel Pascali helps promote PFA Scotland's Media Training Course

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