Academics from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, are helping to shape research and education into women’s football as guest editors for a special supplement of the journal, Sports Medicine, which explores the health, performance, and support systems surrounding female athletes. The supplement is supported by The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Charles Pedlar, Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science, and Dr Kat Okholm Kryger, a Honorary Researcher at St Mary’s University, have led the edition, which brings together a collection of peer-reviewed articles focusing on the health and performance of female footballers, and the environment and support they need to perform at their best.
The FIFA Female Health Project | SpringerLink
The collection is one part of The FIFA Female Health Project, which recognises how the women’s game has grown exponentially, and the demands on players have increased significantly, both on and off the pitch. The initiative is designed to address the challenges faced by women in football, which has historically been underrepresented in sports science research.
The FIFA Female Health Project includes a set of research articles that explore areas such as injury prevention, training, pregnancy and post-partum return to play, sleep and recovery, and the unique physiological demands of the women’s game. The resources guide practitioners, coaches and medical teams that deliver support to female athletes, ensuring that research is applied in the field.
Prof Charles Pedlar, said, “We’re delighted to contribute to this important resource which brings together a global team of experts. As women’s football continues to grow, it’s critical that the science keep pace with a focus on performance, and long-term health and wellbeing. The articles in the supplement are all entirely open access so that they are free to access globally. The first 6 articles are now available and more articles will be added in the coming weeks”.
FIFA has placed health and wellbeing at the heart of its women’s football strategy. For those working alongside female football players, access to evidence-based research is essential.