Frances Kitching retired from professional football prior to the 2024/25 season and has now taken on a dual role supporting the women’s football and EDI divisions at the players’ union.
Kitching led a successful career in the WSL and Women’s Championship for over a decade, representing Sheffield United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Watford, and most recently Crystal Palace.
In her debut season at Crystal Palace, Kitching was voted the 2022/23 Women’s Player of the Year and was also voted Player of the Month on four occasions during the season.
Kitching has been supported by the PFA throughout her playing career, including after a training ground accident sidelined her with a serious head injury during her time with Liverpool in 2020.
She has since been widely credited for speaking openly about mental health and football, and hopes to use her lived experiences to support current players across the game.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the PFA at what is an important time for the union and for players,” Kitching said.
“I’ve personally been supported by the PFA at several points throughout my career, so I know it’s somewhere I’ll be able to use my voice in a positive way and lean on my own lived experiences in football to help players.”
“Everyone who has played beside me knows I’ve always wanted to push for more in the game. Players are sometimes made to feel grateful for what they have, but there are things that are being left behind.
“That’s why it’s a really exciting time to be involved – albeit strange at age 26 as I never thought I’d have stopped playing. But this opportunity came for me at exactly the right time, and this is something that long-term I see myself being part of.”
PFA CEO Maheta Molango has said:
“Fran is a fantastic addition to the team and the wealth of experience she has on and off the pitch will add immense value to our members.
“She has a clear passion for improving the game and a natural ability to connect to players, so we’re delighted to have her on board.”