Unique Challenges with Player Welfare in Women's Football

There are specific welfare challenges facing female players, the gaps in current support systems, and the evolving safeguarding framework within women's professional football. At the LawInSport Football Law Conference 2025, an expert panel discussed these challenges, and we thought it would be helpful to provide a summary of the key points of the discussion.

You can review the recording of the panel here.

This article covers:

• Player Experiences: Contractual Promises vs. Reality
  • Medical Coverage Failures
  • The Reality of Multi-Career Demands
  • Facility and Basic Infrastructure Issues
• Insurance Industry Evolution and Challenges
  • Historical Context and Growth
  • Tailored Product Development
  • Affordability and Accessibility
• Safeguarding Framework Evolution
  • Player Trust and Engagement Challenges
  • Unique Risks in Women's Football
• Professional Standards and Club Compliance
  • Implementation of Men's Game Standards
  • Mandatory Safeguarding Personnel
• Structural Challenges and Box-Ticking Culture
  • Genuine Investment vs. Compliance
  • Infrastructure Development Lag
• Financial Pressures and Career Sustainability
  • Minimum Wage Challenges
  • The "Don't Rock the Boat" Mentality
• Match Calendar and Workload Concerns
  • Commercial Growth Impact
  • Injury Risk Management
• Mental Health and Support Services
  • Available but Underutilised Resources
  • Education and Outreach Initiatives
• Future Developments and Recommendations
  • Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches
  • Integration and Standardisation
• Conclusion