Players No Longer Forced to Choose Between Motherhood and Football

AC Milan captain Christy Grimshaw proudly states that players "now don’t have to make a choice" between being a mother and a footballer, thanks to the club’s pioneering maternity policy, BBC reported. The Italian club is the first in Europe to offer contract renewals for players who become pregnant in the final year of their deals, coupled with additional support like childcare expenses for children and companions.

Grimshaw reflects on the past when many women had to choose between motherhood and their careers. Now, thanks to this progressive policy, female players can feel secure and undeterred by such decisions. "Becoming a mother is a beautiful thing," Grimshaw said, highlighting her hope that this initiative marks the start of broader changes in women's sports.

Elisabet Spina, head of women's football at AC Milan, led this policy as part of a broader push for improved rights for players. Spina emphasizes that their annual investment in women’s football obliges them to set precedents in the sport. She believes the policy will benefit women’s sports and professional lives, potentially inspiring other clubs to adopt similar measures.

"We aim to contribute to changing the culture," said Spina. Although instituted now, she acknowledges the need for more female professionals in influential sports roles. By consulting team and academy players via surveys and discussions, AC Milan hopes to influence a normative shift in women's football’s view of motherhood.

Though the policy’s full impact will be realized when an AC Milan squad member becomes pregnant, its proactive stance on equality and inclusivity is already making an impression. Grimshaw feels immense pride to be part of the club. She believes women shouldn't be discouraged from motherhood and stresses the importance of public perception shifting.

This maternity policy, Grimshaw suggests, enables players to return stronger post-pregnancy and compete at the highest levels – not just in women's football but across all sports. She remains optimistic, viewing these developments as part of an encouraging, progressive era in women's athletics.

Read also on SSP: Roglic Triumphs in Mountain Stage to Take Vuelta Lead.