FIFA Tackles Women's Football's Research Gap

FIFA is intensifying efforts to close a persistent gap in sports research by launching a global education program for female athletes, focusing on women's football from grassroots to elite levels. The newly introduced Female Health and Performance Project offers an online platform with 30 educational modules across 13 topics. This initiative is designed to equip young players, parents, coaches, medical staff, and all 211 global member associations with knowledge tailored to female physiology.

Despite the surge in women's football's popularity, most training and recovery research has historically relied on male data. A review found that only 6% of sports science studies focused exclusively on women, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that can limit performance and increase injury risk. Developed with experts and incorporating player input, FIFA's program aims to rectify this by addressing overlooked topics such as menstrual health, pregnancy, postpartum return, and menopause.

This initiative expands on successful pilot programs conducted before the 2023 Women's World Cup. FIFA is now scaling this knowledge globally, making it accessible through its online training center. This aligns with a broader objective to professionalize women's football by improving access to female-specific data and encouraging open discussions about health, aiming to break down taboos and foster a more supportive environment.