Launching GMB's Footballers United branch
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a big football fan – a lifelong Gooner.
That’s why I am incredibly proud of the work our union is doing to unionise non-league football players. Of course, everyone sees the headlines and the ridiculous money Premier League stars earn in the modern game, but the game has so much more to it.
GMB, for many years, has supported grassroots sports and this is a logical progression.
Non-league players often have a day job alongside playing. They have insecure contracts, move around clubs a lot and because they work alongside playing, have the worry that an injury on the pitch could mean no pay cheque from their day job either.
This all came about because of a chance meeting with former Reading player, Francis Duku, who I met at a Show Racism the Red Card event. Francis had been working to set up a union for non-league players based on his own experiences. A year or so later and we’re delighted that Francis is heading up the project here at GMB.
We launched the apty-named Footballers United branch earlier this month and have had a great reception from the non-league community with players, managers and coaches all getting in touch to offer support and to work with us.
To help grow the Footballers United community, please request to join - and share! - the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/310320746461723/
