The Australian Athletes’ Alliance (AAA) Directors and Member Associations are pleased to welcome John Didulica as the Chairperson of the AAA.
John is an experienced sports executive who most recently served as Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).
In that time, John oversaw the establishment of the first Collective Bargaining Agreement for female players in the W-League, a world leading equal pay model for the Matildas and Socceroos and played a leading role in the Save Hakeem campaign, which freed refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi from a Thai prison.
With a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne, John had previously served as a lawyer for the PFA, having had his first exposure to athlete advocacy as a player delegate, while playing in Australia’s National Soccer League competition.
Didulica said athletes must continue to have a strong and constructive influence on building both sustainable sports and positive communities.
“Sport loses its social license without a meaningful voice for athletes,” he said.
“Sport is a way of life for so many people and the industry that has been created around it is as complex as it has ever been. Accordingly, athlete associations are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring there is an athlete lens on policy and governance - from the very top down - to ensure that sport plays a positive role in the lives of those who play it and support it. It’s an honour to be asked to work with these influential player associations to advance these objectives.”
AAA General Secretary Jacob Holmes said John will continue to play an important role in the advancement of athlete’s rights in all areas of their lives.
"John has a strong history and connection to Australian athletes and sport. His players’ association expertise is highly valuable for the AAA, our members, and the broader athlete movement,” he said.
"We're very pleased to continue our relationship and strong connection with John and thank him for his continued service to sport and the athletes which sit at its heart.”
The AAA is the peak body of professional players’ associations, representing over 4,000 athletes through Australia’s eight major players and athlete associations.
AAA members include the Australian Cricketers’ Association, AFL Players Association, Rugby League Players’ Association, Professional Footballers Australia, Australian Basketball Players’ Association, Rugby Union Players’ Association and Australian Netball Players’ Association.
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