Meet The Team: Alex Culvin

In this series, we'll be introducing you to the great people who work at FIFPRO.

Tell us about yourself, what is your current role and what’s your background?

I’m Alex, from Liverpool. My current role is union and player relations. I work on a broad range of projects, focusing on a more equitable, sustainable game for all players. In a previous life I played football professionally both in England and in the Netherlands. I more recently completed a PhD that analysed workplace and employment conditions of professional women footballers in England, so my role at FIFPRO is a practical application of that.

What do you do at FIFPRO? What does an “average” week look like for you?

Probably every employee at FIFPRO would or has said this, no week is the same! I work on player-centric initiatives to collectively strengthen the voice of the players. This is achieved through various methods: workshops, research, presentations – it really does differ. I personally specialise on the development of data-driven projects, for example surveying players on their conditions at World Cup qualifiers.

The collective voice and feedback that we receive from players is key to our overall mandate at FIFPRO.

Currently, we are witnessing the growth of the women’s football industry, and it is crucial we use the data we gather and the voice of the players to support player growth, protect them in their workplace, and centralise their health and wellbeing.

Finally, without our unions none of the work is possible, so I work alongside our member unions collaborating with them on various projects.

What are you aiming to achieve with the work you do at FIFPRO?

The real-life consequences of the work I – and we – do at FIFRPO is evident. My aims are pretty simple, to positively influence the working-conditions of players, to advocate for their needs, and have a small part in developing a more equitable, sustainable game.

Professionally, what are you excited about right now?

This is an exciting time for women’s football. It feels like there is momentum around the game. Currently, this summer, five tournaments are taking place. Following on from that, we have the Women’s World Cup next year.

If you could change one thing about football, what would it be?

The inherent inequity.

What do you do to relax?

I like to read, run, and have a few beers!

How can people follow what you get up to?

Follow me @AlexCulvin on Twitter for football and politics!