The “cost of football”: motherhood, coaching and work-family conflict
A summary of the research:
The article "The Cost of Football: Motherhood, Coaching, and Work-Family Conflict" by Isabel Martin and Ali Bowes examines the struggles faced by professional female football coaches who are also mothers. Through interviews with four full-time coaches in England, the study highlights the challenges of balancing a coaching career with motherhood. The findings reveal that many mother-coaches feel pressure to choose between their career and family, often facing negative perceptions from colleagues and a lack of institutional support. The football industry remains largely unprepared for working mothers, with limited flexibility, childcare support, or maternity policies in place. As a result, many female coaches rely on personal support networks rather than formal workplace accommodations.
The study calls for systemic change at both organizational and interpersonal levels to make coaching a more viable career for mothers. Recommendations include introducing flexible work schedules, providing childcare support during irregular work hours, and fostering a more inclusive culture that values both professional and parental roles. The research highlights the need for governing bodies and clubs to implement policies that normalize and support motherhood in football, rather than treating it as a career obstacle.
Key Takeaways
Increase Workplace Flexibility: Clubs should introduce flexible schedules and remote work options where possible to help mother-coaches balance their responsibilities.
Provide Childcare Support: Football organizations should offer childcare assistance, such as on-site facilities or financial support, to accommodate the unpredictable nature of coaching schedules.
Improve Cultural Acceptance: Creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mother-coaches will help retain talent and ensure that women do not have to choose between career progression and family life.
Authors: Isabel Martina and Ali Bowes
You can read the entire article here.
