This is HER beautiful game

“Everybody involved should all be very proud that they have played their
part in changing sport for women today.”

~ Dr Emma Ross, Chief Scientific Officer @ The Well HQ

After years under wraps we’re delighted to finally talk about our collaboration in football as The Well HQ, The Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship usher in a new day for Female Athlete Health in the Women’s Professional Game.

You’ve heard us talk about changing the system. This is a watershed moment.

Back in 2020 work began on a deep-dive exploration of the women’s game. Interviews, surveys and focus groups with elite players and staff formed the base of the groundbreaking State of Play Report; later published in 2023.

In the last twelve months we’ve baked State of Play insights into three key initiatives for change in her beautiful game – and we’re so excited to tell you …

“The Women’s Professional Game have shown an incredible commitment to system change. No other NGB has dedicated this level of attention towards improving women’s sport or ensuring that the exponential commercial growth of the game is built on a foundation of outstanding player care and coach development.”

~Emma Ross, CSO @ The Well HQ

FootballHER is an online course for staff across Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship clubs. Built on up-to-date evidence, modules cover core female topics such as Menstrual Cycle & Performance, Kit; Nutrition, Injury Risk & Resilience, Pelvic Health, Fertility & Pre/Post–Natal and Cultivating Environments. 

Rollout to 24 league clubs began in November, launching the first ever NGB- mandated training of female health to coaches, doctors, physios and staff.

In another huge first step for her, clubs will now be asked to nominate an existing member of support staff as their Female Athlete Health Lead (FAHL). This person will establish leadership and accountability for embedding and sustaining female player health within clubs and all 24 FAHLs will work closely with The Well HQ; including a bespoke course landing in spring this year. 

“As the UK’s fastest-growing sport with major media profile, women’s football is here and ready to face the challenges in creating a system fit for elite female players. The Women’s Professional Game are tackling this in a strategic, practical and sustainable way, and it means so much that TWHQ can aid that change.”

~Baz Moffat, CEO @ The Well HQ 

To embed an era of best-practice in the beautiful game, new guidelines are coming in 2024 and set to deliver optimal and actionable information in areas such as Pregnancy & Post-Natal Care, Menstrual Health and Pelvic Health.

The Well HQ will also work with staff across the England set-up to ensure best-practice is aligned from the Lionesses and all through the pro game pathway.

You can probably tell, we’re celebrating like it’s a cup final hat-trick. It’s an opportunity for TWHQ to work hand-in-hand with the Women’s Professional Game to change the future of women’s football.

The announcement came just today, but media is already reporting this watershed moment for her beautiful game. Click below for early press and be sure to lock on to our socials for much, much more from our work in football.