Sport · Singapore Bureau
Women's soccer growth must not overburden players, says NWSL chief
The expansion of women's soccer globally requires careful coordination to prevent player fatigue from mounting competitions, according to the National Women's Soccer League Commissioner. Jessica Berman cautioned that the sport's rapid growth must be balanced against athlete welfare.
LSN Singapore ·
The booming international expansion of women's soccer presents both opportunities and risks that governing bodies must navigate carefully, according to National Women's Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman.
Speaking in London on Wednesday, Berman emphasized that while the global growth of women's football is positive for the sport, stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure that increased competitive schedules do not compromise player welfare.
"We need to be thoughtful about how we manage this expansion," Berman said, noting that the proliferation of tournaments and fixtures across different leagues and international competitions could lead to athlete overload if not properly coordinated.
The commissioner's comments come at a time when women's soccer is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide, with new leagues launching and existing competitions expanding their formats. However, this expansion has raised concerns among players and sports scientists about fixture congestion and the physical toll on athletes.
Berman stressed the importance of dialogue between clubs, leagues, international federations, and player associations to develop sustainable scheduling practices that allow the sport to grow while maintaining high standards of player health and safety.