FIFPRO and FIFPRO South America organise fruitful Communications Workshop

• Representatives of FIFPRO's communication department and of the eight unions that make up FIFPRO South America met in Asunción, Paraguay
• The workshop served to exchange experiences and learn in detail the different realities of the region, in order to align strategies and generate synergies for the future
• The meeting also provided an update on the new headquarters of FIFPRO South America and the Paraguayan union FAP

Exchanging experiences, deepening understanding of the different realities of unions in the region and aligning priorities were some of the many positive takeaways from the Communication Workshop held by FIFPRO and FIFPRO South America in Asunción, Paraguay,

Held on 15-16 April and hosted by Futbolistas Asociados del Paraguay (FAP), the two-day workshop allowed delegates from FIFPRO, FIFPRO South America and the eight unions from the region to think collectively about how to take communication strategically to the next level in the defence of football players.

Gamadiel Garcia, General Secretary of FIFPRO South America, Alejandro Varsky, FIFPRO Communications Director, and Juan Martinez, FIFPRO South America Communications Director, were joined by representatives of FIFPRO's communications departments and the eight unions that make up the region.

Other attendees includes Fernando Revilla, FIFPRO board member and general manager of the Peruvian union SAFAP, FAP president Rogelio Delgado, Diego Scotti, president of the Uruguayan union MUFP, and Jorge Deschamps, secretary of SIFUP in Chile.

"Today, South American football faces profound challenges, not only in sporting terms but also in terms of work. Faced with this, communication ceases to be a complement and becomes a strategic tool for advocacy, awareness-raising and transformation," said Gamadiel García.

"When we communicate clearly and responsibly, we strengthen the trust of our partners. When we make the real issues of football players visible, we raise awareness among the public and the authorities. And when we work in a coordinated manner between unions, we build a much stronger collective voice, capable of driving structural changes in the football industry".

Challenges and strategic solutions in defence of footballers

During the event, the unions represented shared their daily work and the context in which they operate, which served to generate a wider awareness of the reality in each country.

Following FIFPRO's presentation on the strategic vision for the region, the various unions engaged in discussions on the challenges and opportunities for the future of communication and its impact on the football industry.

"The pace at which the communication ecosystem is advancing makes these spaces increasingly necessary," said Alejandro Varsky. " Aligning views and sharing learnings allows us to take better advantage of opportunities and respond to challenges, always with a clear objective: that the voice of the footballer continues to occupy a central place in the conversation," he added.

The second day was attended by representatives of CONMEBOL and FIFA, who presented details of the work done in digital communication and media relations for the region; and closed with visits to the CONMEBOL Museum and the works of what will be the administrative headquarters of FIFPRO South America and FAP. 

"Continuity in these spaces is key to consolidating greater regional alignment, and our aim is to be able to repeat these kinds of meetings on a regular basis in the future. Through exchange and closer coordination, unions can strengthen their work and amplify their collective impact," concluded Juan Martinez.