Chelsea Football Club has long prided itself on being a trailblazer, and its recent initiatives off the pitch demonstrate that commitment to pioneering change for women’s sport and health. The club has become the first team in the Women’s Super League (WSL) to roll out a comprehensive fertility and maternity programme, giving its players the freedom to start families on their own terms while receiving the support needed to juggle elite competition and motherhood. The new policy builds on Chelsea’s earlier innovations.
In February 2020, head coach Emma Hayes introduced systematic tracking of menstrual cycles, a move that was unprecedented in professional football and aimed at understanding how hormonal fluctuations affect performance. The latest fertility and maternity framework is the logical next step in that data‑driven, player‑centred approach.
To deliver the programme, Chelsea has partnered with Fertility Plus, a leading London fertility clinic. The partnership creates a dedicated fund that all squad members can access for a range of reproductive health services, including egg freezing, in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF), cervical smear tests, contraception, and specialist counselling. Workshops and educational sessions are also part of the package, ensuring that players receive accurate information and can make informed decisions about their bodies. Importantly, the policy is not mandatory; players may use the resources as they see fit, with the club providing logistical and emotional backing.
The maternity component of the policy is equally robust. It offers personalised support throughout pregnancy and the post‑natal period, financial assistance for a partner or nanny to travel to away fixtures for up to a year after the player’s return, enhanced adoption and parental‑leave provisions, wage protection and subsidised childcare.
These measures are designed to remove the traditional trade‑off between a professional career and family life, allowing athletes to pursue both simultaneously. Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor explained the club’s philosophy in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports: “Our priority has always been to give our players the best possible support. We want them to have knowledge about every option available so they can make the choices that suit their individual journeys. No one should have to choose between a football career and becoming a mother – now both are viable paths.” Former goalkeeper and current commercial manager for the women’s side, Carly Telford, was instrumental in establishing the collaboration with Fertility Plus.
She told Sky Sports, “I have seen firsthand the challenges women athletes face when it comes to fertility and reproductive health. We needed a partner that understood us not only as athletes but also as women, offering more than just egg‑freezing – from hormone management to endometriosis treatment and comprehensive cycle tracking. The choice ultimately lies with each player, but having those options available changes the conversation entirely.” Bompastor’s own experience underscores the significance of the new scheme.
She and her partner, Chelsea assistant coach Camille Abily, have four children. During her playing days, limited options forced her to retire earlier than she might have otherwise, because she could not reconcile elite sport with motherhood.
“When I look back, I didn’t have a real choice,” she said. “The questions about pregnancy, post‑natal recovery, and caring for a child while competing at the highest level were overwhelming, and there was no structured support. Now, having a club that provides knowledge, open dialogue and concrete resources is a game‑changer for the next generation.” While no player has publicly announced plans to use the new services yet – a decision that remains private – early feedback from the squad has been positive.
Telford noted, “I’ve spoken with several teammates, and the consensus is that this is a fantastic development. They feel comfortable knowing the information is confidential and that they have a safety net if they decide to start a family.” Chelsea is not new to navigating pregnancy in football. Midfielder Melanie Leupolz gave birth in 2022 and returned to first‑team action, while Zecira Musovic took maternity leave after moving back to Sweden in 2025.
More recently, former captain Millie Bright announced her pregnancy following retirement, highlighting that fertility concerns extend beyond active players to those approaching the end of their careers. Telford added, “Women in their thirties are often the ones who have postponed family planning; this programme gives them a realistic pathway to parenthood without sacrificing their professional aspirations.” The dual focus on fertility and maternity care creates a holistic support system. By addressing both the desire to conceive and the practicalities of raising a child while training and competing, Chelsea aims to set a benchmark for other clubs, leagues and governing bodies. Bompastor summed it up: “Being a mother is a skill you learn on the job, just like football.
Providing platforms where players can share experiences and receive expert guidance makes a huge difference. When you combine elite sport with parenthood, you essentially have two full‑time jobs – the club’s support enables athletes to excel at both.” Beyond the immediate benefits to the squad, the club hopes its visibility will spark broader conversations about women’s health in sport. Telford emphasized, “We want our work to resonate beyond football. If other clubs, businesses and sports organisations see the value in supporting female athletes holistically, it could shift the entire landscape for women’s health.” She also highlighted the importance of education: “Understanding our bodies – from menstrual cycles to long‑term fertility – empowers us to make better decisions throughout our careers and lives.” In summary, Chelsea’s partnership with Fertility Plus and the introduction of a detailed fertility and maternity policy represent a landmark moment for women’s football.
By providing financial aid, medical expertise, flexible leave arrangements and a culture of openness, the club is demonstrating that professional sport can coexist with family life. The initiative not only supports current players but also sets a precedent that could influence policy across the WSL, the FA and even international football. As more clubs adopt similar models, the future looks promising for athletes who wish to pursue both their sporting dreams and personal aspirations without compromise.