FIFA has launched the FIFA Female Health and Performance Project, a global initiative designed to help women footballers train, recover and perform better using science specifically based on women’s bodies.
The project includes 30 online educational modules covering 13 topics and will be available to all 211 FIFA member associations, as well as the general public. It is designed for a wide range of audiences, including players, coaches, medical staff, sports scientists and football associations around the world, according to Inside FIFA.
The launch comes as women’s football continues to grow rapidly worldwide, with FIFA saying there is an urgent need for more research and data that reflects women’s experiences.
Why Does This Matter?
For years, many training methods and recovery systems in sport have been based on research conducted mainly on men. As a result, women athletes have often relied on systems that do not fully reflect their physiological needs, which can reduce training effectiveness and increase the risk of injuries.
The scale of this research gap is significant. A study analysing more than 5,200 sports science papers found that only 34% of participants were women, while just 6% of studies focused exclusively on women.
By creating resources specifically designed around women’s bodies, FIFA hopes to address some of these long-standing gaps and ensure women athletes receive support that is tailored to their needs.
What Will The Project Cover?
The modules will cover topics such as sleep, recovery, strength and conditioning, all examined through the lens of women athletes.
They will also address women-specific topics including physiology, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and menopause, areas that have historically received limited attention in sports science.
Beyond physical performance, FIFA says the initiative also aims to break taboos around women’s health, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations so women athletes can be better supported at every stage of their careers.
As women’s football continues to expand globally, the organisation says investing in research and education focused on women’s health is essential to building a safer and more inclusive future for the sport.
