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Soccer Moms: New Era of Parenthood in NWSL
28 May
Summary
- NWSL has record 28 active mothers this season.
- Players share diverse fertility journeys and family-building choices.
- New regulations support mothers in women's football.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has a record 28 active mothers rostered this season, signaling a growing acceptance and support for players navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. The Athletic's series delves into these personal journeys.
North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan shares her experience with co-IVF, using her egg for her daughter Sky, born in 2025. Her partner carried the child, a process supported by her former club's partnership for fertility treatments.
Ash Neville of Leicester City and her partner Lisa navigated fertility with a privately sourced donor due to high costs of regulated treatments. They used an app to find a donor, a method advised against by regulators due to potential risks.
FIFA and FIFPRO introduced new regulations in 2021, including a minimum 14-week paid maternity leave and protections against contract terminations during pregnancy or leave, offering reassurance to players.
Tameka Yallop of Brisbane Roar and her partner Kirsty faced multiple IVF cycles, with Kirsty carrying Yallop's embryos after initial attempts were unsuccessful. Their second daughter was born in 2025.
Shanice van de Sanden and her partner Tatjiana in the Netherlands also found a private donor, emphasizing the importance of knowing the donor's background for their children's future.
