FIFA has launched a new global health and education initiative aimed at improving the well-being and performance of female football players, marking one of the sport's most comprehensive efforts to address health issues unique to women athletes.

The governing body announced the rollout of its Female Health and Performance Project on June 1, introducing an online educational platform that will provide evidence-based resources to players, coaches, medical professionals, parents, and football organizations across all 211 FIFA member associations. According to Reuters, the initiative was developed in response to a significant lack of female-specific sports science research despite the rapid growth of women's football worldwide.

The program includes 30 educational modules spanning 13 health and performance topics, including menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause, sleep, nutrition, and strength training. FIFA said the resources are designed to help create a more informed support system for women and girls participating in football at every level of the game.

According to a Reuters report, only about 6% of sports science studies conducted between 2014 and 2020 focused exclusively on women, leaving many female athletes trained under frameworks largely developed using data from male participants. The organization said the new initiative seeks to bridge that knowledge gap through accessible, peer-reviewed education and research.

The project was developed with input from medical experts and current and former players, including former U.S. Women's National Team star Carli Lloyd. FIFA officials said the platform builds on lessons learned from women's health programs introduced during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

"FIFA's aim is to optimize every female footballer's health, well-being and performance," FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer Sarai Bareman said in comments cited by multiple reports.

The launch comes as concerns surrounding women's sports medicine continue to gain attention globally. Recent studies have highlighted higher rates of certain injuries among female athletes, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, while researchers have also called for greater investment in understanding how hormonal changes, reproductive health, and pregnancy affect athletic performance. (Reuters)

FIFA said the Female Health and Performance Project will be available globally through an online platform, with the goal of helping athletes, coaches, and medical staff make more informed decisions based on research tailored specifically to women.

Source: Reuters reported on June 1 that FIFA launched the Female Health and Performance Project, a global educational initiative designed to improve female athlete health, well-being, and performance through science-based resources and training. (Reuters)

Original Reuters report: Reuters – FIFA rolls out global initiative to boost female player health and performance