AC Milan has become the first among Europe’s elite football clubs to introduce an innovative maternity policy for its female players and staff. This landmark initiative offers comprehensive protections during pregnancy and early childhood, setting a new standard in women’s football.
The policy includes automatic contract extensions, childcare assistance, and travel support, aiming to create an inclusive environment where female athletes can balance their professional and personal lives seamlessly.
How many UCLs has AC Milan won?
7
Pioneering a New Era in Women’s Football
Automatic Contract Extensions
One of the key elements of AC Milan’s new maternity policy is the automatic one-year contract extension for players whose contracts are set to expire during the season they become pregnant. This ensures that female players are not forced to choose between their careers and starting a family, providing them with financial stability and job security during a crucial time.
Comprehensive Childcare and Travel Support
AC Milan’s policy goes beyond contract extensions by offering extensive childcare assistance during sports activities. Additionally, the club will cover travel expenses, including flights and accommodations, for the player’s child and one companion. This support allows players to travel without worrying about childcare logistics, ensuring they can fully focus on their professional commitments.
Commitment to Player Well-Being
AC Milan’s maternity policy is part of a broader commitment to the well-being of its female players and staff. The club provides access to professionals in psycho-pedagogical, physiotherapy, and nutritional fields and involves external experts as needed. This holistic approach ensures that players receive the necessary support to maintain their physical and mental health throughout their careers.
Addressing a Critical Need in Women’s Football
Insights from the FIFPRO Global Employment Report
According to the 2017 FIFPRO Global Employment Report, only 2% of female players interviewed across four continents had children, and 47% stated they would leave football to start a family. AC Milan’s policy addresses these statistics by providing a supportive environment that encourages female players to continue their careers while starting families.
A Collaborative Approach
To define its maternity policy, AC Milan engaged players from its First Team and Primavera Team in a comprehensive process guided by the club’s psycho-pedagogical area. Through meetings, interviews, and surveys, the club gathered valuable insights and feedback, ensuring that the policy reflects the real needs and concerns of its players.
Leading by Example
Statements from Club Leadership
Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “We are proud to present such an important project, which once again demonstrates AC Milan’s attention towards relevant matters for all the people of the Rossoneri family. We want this new step to be a further motivation for growth and development for the entire Club, becoming a model to follow, at a national and international level.”
Elisabet Spina, Head of Women’s Football at AC Milan, added, “The Club has always shown great attention to the well-being of its female players and staff members, both professionally and personally. We are now about to start a new season in which we will work to achieve important goals, both on and off the field: we are excited to approach it by introducing our innovative policy.”
AC Milan’s groundbreaking maternity policy sets a precedent for elite football clubs worldwide. By offering automatic contract extensions, comprehensive childcare support, and travel assistance, the club ensures that female players can pursue their careers without sacrificing personal aspirations. This initiative not only supports the well-being of female athletes but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable environment in women’s football. As AC Milan leads the way, it paves the path for other clubs to follow, fostering a future where all athletes can thrive both on and off the field.
