Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has announced the recipients of its annual scholarships, rewarding outstanding professional and personal development by four of its members.
The scholarships, named after PFA Champions Kimon Taliadoros and Craig Foster, honour players developing in areas such as education, business, media, advocacy and community impact.
The PFA Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships are awarded to two players each year who demonstrate excellence in education or business. Named after PFA co-founder Taliadoros, the scholarships celebrate the drive and dedication of players who are committed to their professional development.
Annalie Longo receives the award for her dedication to self-development, with the New Zealand international pursuing her coaching credentials via an Oceania Football Confederation A Licence and contributing to football media as a commentator with SkySport. Longo is also the creator of the Fantails junior programme in New Zealand, which aims to engage young girls in football as part of New Zealand Football’s legacy plan for hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Longo is joined by Western Sydney Wanderers’ defender Gabriel Cleur in receiving the Taliadoros Scholarship. Since returning to Australia after playing his early career in Italy, Cleur has continued to balance his A-Leagues career with his studies. He is studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science and has completed a Diploma of Counselling. Cleur’s commitment to mental health and wellbeing extends to his role as a wellbeing officer and mental coach at Blacktown Spartans, where he supports the NPL2 boys team.
Named after former PFA Chair, CEO, and Life Member, the PFA Craig Foster Scholarship recognises the important role footballers play in shaping their communities and society.
The PFA Executive selected Chelsie Dawber and Chelsea Blissett as recipients of the 2024 accolade. Dawber has made a significant impact in her community via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and recently launched her own business to support underprivileged communities in South Australia.
Blissett is a passionate advocate for eating disorder awareness. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics and aims to raise awareness and provide education for community football clubs, furthering her impact on public health.
Last year’s winners of the PFA scholarships were Emma Ilijoski, Grace Gill, Ben Collins and Scott Neville.
The PFA’s Head of Player Development Rita Mankowska congratulated the scholarship recipients:
“Personal development is at the heart of what we do at the PFA, and these scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting players’ lives on and off the pitch.
“Each of the recipients this year are not only developing themselves but are ensuring their journey of self-development is also impacting others. Whether that is through initiatives in grassroots football or the broader community, these players demonstrate the importance of holistic career development.”
Earlier this month the PFA published its annual Player Development Report, which highlights record investments in mental health support and education funding for PFA members. In the past 12 months the organisation also facilitated coaching courses, health checks, and expanded support for past players. The Program continues to promote a player-centric approach within the professional football industry.
