NZPFA ANNOUNCE PDP MANAGER

NZPFA are pleased to announce former captain of the Football Ferns, Hayley Bowden, as its first ever Personal Development Programme Manager.

During a career spanning 12 years, Bowden attended Virginia Commonwealth University and represented Chelsea Football Club, Lincoln Ladies and Ottawa Fury.

Bowden represented the Football Ferns at the 2007 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2016, Bowden was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Football.

Bowden joins the NZPFA to establish the organisation's Personal Development Programme, the first of its kind for professional footballers from New Zealand. In this role she will bring to bear her experience in the education industry and passion for supporting footballers.

The Personal Development Programme will be built around five pillars; Education and Careers, Legal Support, Financial Literacy and Management, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Player Engagement.

NZPFA Chair Harry Ngata said Bowden would deliver significant benefits for All Whites and Football Ferns, both those based in New Zealand and overseas.

“We couldn’t be happier to appoint Hayley into a role which is responsible for establishing, developing and implementing our Personal Development Programme.”

“Personal development in parallel to a member’s playing career is crucial. Traditionally this sort of development has been viewed as easing the challenges during the transition to retirement. In reality, it is much more powerful. The benefits for members are far more broad and immediate, even providing an advantage on the field.”

“While many player associations have similar programmes, it has become apparent to us that our members face a unique combination of challenges. Something that sets us apart is that 79% of our members are currently based overseas, many of whom have left New Zealand at a young age. Being away from friends and family and adjusting to life in a new country, particular at a young age, are factors that compound the pressures of professional football.”

“It is important for our organisation to support to New Zealand footballers with a New Zealand-led development programme as they face these these challenges. We could not think of a better person to develop and run such a significant programme than a former captain of Football Ferns and someone who has chased her own dreams overseas.”

“I am excited to be able to join the NZPFA and would like to thank Harry and the team for the opportunity,” Bowden said.

“Since retiring I have been passionate about supporting the next generation of players and working in their best interests. The Personal Development Programme is such an exciting evolutionary step for the All Whites and Football Ferns. I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to oversee its inception.”

Our Story

The New Zealand Professional Footballs Associations was established in 2001 and is incorporated and registered as a trade union.

The NZPFA is a member of FIFPro the worldwide organisation that represents all professional footballers.

The NZPFA is committed to supporting our players and helping build our game in New Zealand.

We are the representative body for all Players who are selected by New Zealand Football to play for each of the All Whites and Football Ferns.

FIFPRO

FIFPRO is the only global representative for professional football players.

As a global trade union FIFPRO unites the voice of professional football players and their national unions to ensure they are internationally represented in the decisions affecting their working environments and the industry overall.

FIFPro