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Canadian Professor Helps FIFA Create Tools to Keep Mothers Playing Soccer

On July 21, 2026, University of Alberta researcher Margie Davenport released new FIFA guidelines designed to help pregnant and postpartum soccer players safely navigate training and maintain their physical and mental health.
Athletes were traditionally told to reduce activity levels during pregnancy, a practice Davenport noted often caused "stress, anxiety, uncertainty" for those who strongly identify as athletes and struggle without sport.
Using the new tools, players work with support staff to assess health conditions and modify exercises, as the non-linear guides avoid rigid timelines to reflect the fluid nature of postpartum.
"Since this has been released, I know that there are a number of pro players who are actually following it," Davenport said, with coaches and athletes calling the response "incredible."
Davenport is now adapting these guides for five other sports federations, including the Tennis Association, as growing numbers of professional athletes continue careers while balancing pregnancy and postpartum.

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