New Guidelines Aim to Support Pregnant Pro Footballers and Their Return to Competition
AMSTERDAM – FIFPRO, the global organization representing professional footballers,has released comprehensive guidelines for pregnant players, aiming to provide support and guidance throughout their journey from pregnancy to their return to the pitch. The 48-pageguide, titled FIFPRO Women’s Football Pregnancy, is a crucial step in addressing the unique challenges faced by female athletes during this period.
The initiativecomes in response to the growing need for standardized support and advice for pregnant footballers. While FIFA Maternity Regulations have been in place since 2021, many players and stakeholders felt a lack of practical guidance on navigating pregnancy, both before andafter childbirth.
Starting a family is a significant milestone in a player’s life and one that should be celebrated and supported, but many players have felt that this has not been the case for them, stated Dr. Alex Culvin, FIFPRO Director of Policy and Strategic Relations for Women’s Football. Many are returning to elite football stronger, despite a significant lack of standardized guidance, regulation, and support, and amid pressure on them to manage their own return to play.
The guide, developed in collaboration with leading medical experts and experiencedfootballers like German goalkeeper Almuth Schult, American Crystal Dunn, and Icelandic Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir, offers a comprehensive framework for managing pregnancy during a professional football career. It covers crucial aspects like:
- Prepartum: The guide provides detailed information on managing pregnancy during training and competition, including adjustments tophysical activity, nutrition, and potential risks. It also emphasizes the importance of open communication between the player, medical staff, and coaches to ensure individual needs are met.
- Postpartum: The guide addresses the challenges of recovery after childbirth, including the physical and emotional demands of motherhood. It offers advice on breastfeeding,managing fatigue, and gradually returning to training.
- Return to Play: The guide provides a structured approach to returning to football after childbirth, emphasizing a gradual and individualized process. It outlines key factors to consider, such as fitness levels, mental preparedness, and the player’s overall well-being.
Theguidelines are designed to be a valuable resource for players, their families, team staff, and other football stakeholders. They aim to create a more supportive environment for pregnant footballers, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and care to navigate this important stage of their lives.
This guide is a testament to FIFPRO’scommitment to supporting the well-being of all players, regardless of their personal circumstances, said FIFPRO President, David Aganzo. We believe that these guidelines will empower pregnant footballers to make informed decisions about their careers and ensure a smooth transition back to the game they love.
The release of these guidelines marks asignificant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for pregnant footballers. By providing clear and practical guidance, FIFPRO aims to empower players to navigate pregnancy and motherhood while continuing to pursue their professional dreams.
Views: 0