People of the Union puts the spotlight on individuals across FIFPRO’s member associations who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of professional footballers.
Steven Bryce is the co-founder and executive director of Costa Rican player union ASOJUPRO. The former Costa Rica international, who played at the 2002 World Cup, talks about the role the union has played in serving his country's players since 2008.
FIFPRO: Tell us about yourself: what’s your current role and what’s your background?
Steven Bryce: I co-founded ASOJUPRO in 2008 when a group of players and captains got together to create an association to support and defend professional footballers in Costa Rica. I am currently a lawyer and notary, with a master’s degree in international sport law. I also have a degree in Sports Management from the Real Madrid school.
I am the executive director of ASOJUPRO and, together with my colleagues and our president Alejandro Sequeira, we have carried out the arduous but satisfying task of protecting the rights of footballers nationally and internationally with a modern and effective union.
What issue affecting player welfare are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about contractual stability where players' conditions are fair and they are guaranteed a safe and healthy working environment. Achieving labour justices will prepare players for life after football and thus positively influence new generations where their rights are respected and taken into account for collective bargaining and contracts.
Can you share one of your proudest moments or achievements working as a union representative?
There are several unique moments: in 2010 I was part of the ASOJUPRO group which, together, we promoted and obtained the minimum wage for first and second division footballers from the Ministry of Labour, so we can say that there is a before and after in professional football in Costa Rica.
We are also proud to have contributed to the creation in 2020 of Law No. 9878 against violence and racism in Costa Rica. This regulation is very important for the practice of sport, hoping to set an example and eradicate these two evils once and for all: violence and racism. The passing of this law has been a triumph for the country and for national sport and it is hoped that other associations and federations around the world will follow the example of Costa Rica.
Recently, ASOJUPRO, together with the Costa Rican Football Federation, approved a collective agreement with the women's national team with equal percentages compared to the agreement with the men's team.
If you could change something in football, what would it be?
Eradicating racism and discrimination in football. And that there be equitable economic distribution of the income generated by the work of footballers as a public spectacle.
Is there anyone in the union world or in sports in general who inspires you?
I am inspired by all the union leaders and players who have a gift for service and often work without financial remuneration for the well-being of professional footballers. I think it would be disrespectful to talk about just one person because during my career as a players' agent I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many people involved in working for the benefit of footballers.
What is your favourite football memory?
Representing Costa Rica at the World Cup. At Korea-Japan 2002, I made two assists in the three group-stage matches. Wearing the national team shirt, which I defended in more than 80 senior internationals, will always be my greatest football memory.
FIFPRO celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. What does it mean to be part of a global union?
Representing professional footballers who bring joy to people, and being able to represent their economic, social and labour interests is a great responsibility and at the same time a source of pride that takes me back to my footballing days. Those of us who are part of the football unions are in charge of protecting and ensuring that the rights of the players are respected in all areas and always being willing to help whenever they require our services.
What do you hope to see unions unite more on to shape the future of football for the players?
In my opinion, we are in new times and they are for collective bargaining, but for this we must all be prepared at the same level for when that opportunity to negotiate and defend interests in relation to the rules of the game, transfers, contracts and other labour aspects arrives, let's be ready. Let's raise that level!
