Meet the team

Chris Higgins will be a familiar face to many of you from playing against him at some point in his football career. Among the clubs he has turned out for are Clyde, Dunfermline, Queen of the South, Ayr United and East Fife.

Over the years, he has picked up three league winners medals as well as winning the SPFL Trust Trophy in 2013. Chris is very much one of you and understands the stresses and strains of the modern-day footballer. More importantly, having retired from playing, he very much gets the need for players to start planning for life after football as soon as possible. Chris’ focus in his role as PFA Scotland’s Player Services  Manager is helping players with future planning and getting education and training courses in place for players as well as helping with finding employment to run alongside your football or for once you’ve hung your boots up.

Chris is no stranger to having other interests outside his playing career – like many of you, he did a Personal Training course and set himself up as a PT. He has also completed a degree in Developing Athletes as well as Applied Management in Football course that PFA Scotland currently offer members. He is incredibly passionate about helping players plan for the future so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with him.

You can contact Chris on 07719 902438 or email chris@pfascotland.co.uk.

Craig Beattie joins us at PFA Scotland after a long professional playing career. He started as a 16-year-old at Celtic and played for numerous clubs along the way such as West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and Heart of Midlothian.

He then began playing part time with spells in the Scottish lower leagues with Ayr United, Stirling Albion, Edinburgh City and most recently Elgin City before retiring. Craig accrued many honours both in Scotland and in England during an impressive career including winning leagues, cups and getting promoted to the EPL via the playoffs with Swansea City. He is also part of a privileged number of footballers who have been fortunate enough to represent their country at international level.

When Craig made the move to part-time football he began working in residential child care supporting some of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

Having been a Club Rep in the past he understands how crucial it is that players have a strong voice through their union and the importance of what PFA Scotland offer its members.

You can contact Craig on 07923220546 or cbeattie@pfascotland.co.uk

Heather Richards joins us at PFA Scotland after six years working within employability in the third sector. Heather has gained great experience supporting individuals to move into education and employment and has delivered SQA accredited qualifications and employability workshops within schools and community settings.

Heather played within the SWPL 1 for many years with both Celtic and Hibs. During the period 2014-2015 Heather was capped with the Women’s National Team receiving four caps.

Heather has a good understanding of combining education and playing at an elite level through her time at the National Performance Centre.

Over the last 3 years Heather has coached within the Girl’s youth set up and helped support the next generation’s progress in their career.

Heather is eager to support individuals within the Women’s and Youth game to plan for their future after or alongside playing using her own experience.

You can contact Heather on 07935714696 or heather@pfascotland.co.uk

Lewis is an experienced communications professional who has worked for sports organisations in the public, private and third sector.

Currently playing in the East of Scotland League, Lewis is no stranger to the demands of a football player and is passionate about all levels of football in Scotland. Leading on PFA Scotland’s social media channels, Lewis is committed to producing creative and inspiring content that highlights the power of football and the relationships that transcend the pitch.

Formerly of award-winning charity Street Soccer Scotland, Lewis is applying his extensive knowledge of our games alongside his understanding of mental health and wellbeing and the impact that support services can have for members.

You will often find him building relationships with members and clubs during visits, learning more about the views of the professional players across the country and amplifying them through PFA Scotland’s platforms.

You can contact Lewis on 07592273311 or email lewis@pfascotland.co.uk.

Stepping into the role of Player Support Officer, Diane brings a robust educational background and a wealth of experience in promoting complete health and wellbeing. With qualifications in Fitness Health and Exercise, an Honours Degree in Sports Coaching, and a Masters Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Diane is fully equipped with a diverse skill set to address the multifaceted needs of our players.

Combining academic achievements with over 10 years of hands-on experience in building and managing a charitable organisation dedicated to health and wellbeing, Diane is poised to make a meaningful impact as our Player Support Officer. With such a diverse background Diane will offer comprehensive support to players, addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs with empathy and expertise.

Additionally, Diane played a pivotal role in the formation of Partick Thistle WFC, contributing to its inception and growth from the ground up. Serving as a founding player and retiring from playing after gaining promotion to SWPL 2, Diane played an active role both on and off the field.

Diane joins the team after making a meaningful impact on many individuals' lives, from developing wellbeing programs to spearheading initiatives that address the diverse needs of individuals, Diane has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of proactive care and support.

Diane's focus within the role as Player Support Officer is ensuring that every player has the tools and support they need to thrive both on, and off the pitch.

Donna is a seasoned Operations Manager with over 20 years’ experience in her field.

Donna is responsible for the day to day running of PFA Scotland ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.  She works across all departments of the Union to ensure the team are working efficiently and takes responsibility for the PFAS’ finance, administration, safety and quality.

Donna studied business admin, finance and IT before venturing into the world of training and is CIPD qualified in Learning and Development practices.  She also obtained a CMI qualification in Leadership and Management.

Donna has previously worked in public, private and voluntary sectors and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to PFA Scotland and its members which can only be good as we continue to grow, strengthen and expand our services.

You can contact Donna on 07743561573 or donna@pfascotland.co.uk

Vicky joins as PFA Scotland’s Operations Administrator Assistant. With over four years’ experience working in both public and private sector organisations, Vicky has a strong background focusing on customer service and administration.

Graduating with a Business degree from Strathclyde University, Vicky also runs her own business for the past three years.

If asked to describe herself, Vicky said it would be 'a bubbly team player who loves a new challenge!'

Susie van der Post successfully built up her own business 20 years ago with the primary focus of Project Management and boasts a portfolio of clients in Scotland and overseas. Susie is no stranger to Scottish football as her history includes the Sales Manager at Rangers FC and assisting Hibernian FC with Hospitality Operations.

Susie has been a vital part of the PFA Scotland team for over 17 years arranging the Player of the Year Awards. With Susie’s focus and direction, our annual Awards event is now seen as THE social highlight in the footballing calendar.

As a key part of our team, and due to her experience and input, Susie’s is responsible for our Commercial activities in addition to running our Events.   As Susie is well known to our current Business Partners, her role is also to secure new Commercial Partnerships which will mutually benefit our members whilst being the main contact for our current clients.

Susie can be reached anytime at Susie@pfascotland.co.uk or calling 07720 416 661

Sylwia is PFA Scotland’s Operations Administrator. She has over 15 years’ experience in administration and customer service gained in the care and hospitality sectors her ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently makes her a real asset to the team.

If she was to describe herself she would say she is a team member who enjoys “smashing goals, crushing tasks and working hard!”

Sylwia is responsible for PFA Scotlands Membership and Operations administration.

You can contact her at sylwia@pfascotland.co.uk or call the office on 0141 353 0199.