This Monday, FIFA presented a project focused on the health and performance of female soccer players. The initiative seeks to fill the information gap on the specific needs of female athletes, as women’s football continues to grow.
A gap in scientific research
Currently, only 6% of sports science research focuses exclusively on women, according to FIFA. As a result, many female athletes are trained with methods developed for men, due to a lack of data on how to optimize their performance.
The project includes a series of online modules with peer-reviewed research. It addresses 13 topics that affect female soccer players, from pregnancy and fertility to recovery and nutrition.
Education to break taboos
In addition to the players, the initiative seeks to train coaches, administrators and staff of teams, leagues and federations. It also aims to normalize language and break down misconceptions around women’s health.
“FIFA’s goal is to optimize the health, well-being and performance of every footballer, and to improve knowledge about women and girls in football at all levels of the game,” said Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s director of women’s football.
The project builds on a pilot implemented ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which offered specialized training programs for women.




