FA announces new measures to improve female athlete health،
The Women's Super League (WSL) has announced new measures to improve knowledge and provide support in “various areas of female athlete health” to WSL and Women's Championship clubs.
The two top women's football leagues in England have been working with female athlete support experts, The Well HQ, since 2020 to better support their players. The collaboration between the two resulted in the publication of 'The State of Play Project' report, based on the results of surveys and in-depth interviews with players and club staff.
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The report led to the creation of FootballHER: CPD [Continuing Professional Development] For All, an online course for WSL and Women's Championship club staff, launching in October 2023.
The course offers a “holistic approach to women’s health,” with modules on the menstrual cycle and performance, pelvic health and fertility, among others.
Additionally, each club will now be asked to nominate an existing member of support staff to be appointed as the Female Athlete Health Officer (FAHL) to establish “leadership and accountability” for women's health in the clubs.
All 24 FAHLs will be trained and supported by The Well HQ, including a course in spring 2024 that will provide in-depth sessions on several FootballHER-related topics.
Clubs, as well as the England women's team, will also receive best practice guidelines on pregnancy and postnatal care, menstrual cycle health and pelvic health throughout 2024.
“Women's professional football in England will be the first to provide football-specific CPD for coaches and performance support staff, and mandate a female athlete health lead at every club,” said Dr. Emma Ross, Scientific Director of Well HQ. A declaration.
England coach Sarina Wiegman also welcomed the initiative during a press conference on Monday.
“I think we're really happy to see this. It's really good and also very necessary,” she said.
“There also needs to be more research and support and this is another step in the right direction. It's really good, we need to continue and do research which will take time so that this is the best for women in the sport.”
“We have to do what’s best for them.”
