New Delhi: AC Milan, the Italian football giant, has made history by introducing a groundbreaking maternity policy that guarantees contract renewals for players who become pregnant in the final years of their deals. The initiative also includes childcare support and expenses for their children and a companion.
AC Milan’s policy was led by Elisabeth Spina, the head of women’s football. She believes it is important to be proactive about women’s health and provide resources for the future generation. She hopes that their maternity policy will act as a role model to other clubs and set a precedent within women’s sports. The club took to their Twitter handle and announced about the same.
#ACMilan presents a unique and innovative maternity policy for its players and staff, supporting them during their development journey, not just in their professional growth, by creating an environment that enables them to make significant life choices 👨👩👧#SempreMilan
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 2, 2024
Before taking the call, the club consulted the players from the first team and academy using surveys and discussions to form the final agreement. This collaborative approach ensured that the policy would address the specific needs of female footballers and enable them to make a successful comeback after pregnancy.
In an interview with BBC Sports, AC Milan’s captain Christy Grimshaw also emphasised the importance of this policy for female athletes who often have to choose between their careers and starting a family, stating, ” Players now don’t have to choose between being a mother or a footballer.”
Spina further adds that she is proud to represent AC Milan as people view the club as serious about equality and inclusivity. She even believes this project, in particular, can help not only women’s football but also women’s sports and female sports professionals.
The bigger picture this move holds
There have been several cases of women players struggling for this sort of support in the women’s game. Scotland international player Emma Mukandi last year explained that she faked an injury because she was scared that her pregnancy wouldn’t be received well, while Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir won a landmark maternity case against Lyon after the club failed to pay her the full salary during her pregnancy time.
There are also several high-profile cases in which women players have made a comeback to football after pregnancy, such as Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, and many more. As AC Milan paves a more supportive environment for female athletes, the hope is that this initiative will help change the perception of motherhood in women’s football. Grimshaw concludes, “It’s a step-by-step process. We are growing every day. But it’s an exciting time for all of us”.
AC Milan breaks new ground with a maternity policy that supports female players’ careers and challenges the status quo in women’s sports. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
