Chelsea FC Women to launch first-of-its-kind player fertility fund

Chelsea FC Women is to launch a fertility fund giving players access to assessments, treatments, counselling and workshops.

The initiative is part of a new partnership with London fertility clinic Fertility Plus, which has been named the club’s official fertility partner.

Chelsea said the fund will be available to every player in its women’s team, with support tailored to individual needs.

Giulia Mazzia, commercial director for Chelsea FC Women, said: “At Chelsea FC Women we are never done pushing for progress for our players and our community.

“This first-of-its-kind partnership with Fertility Plus will open up the conversation about fertility, help to raise awareness for our incredible fanbase and beyond, and give practical support to our players off the field as well as on it.”

Support through Fertility Plus will include fertility assessments and treatments, as well as counselling and workshops.

The partnership will also provide evidence-based information about reproductive health and address misconceptions around fertility.

Chelsea cited previous research on fertility knowledge which found that 41 per cent of respondents actively trying to conceive did not know when their fertile window was.

The club and Fertility Plus plan to provide educational content, resources comparing fertility myths with medical evidence and insights from Chelsea FC Women ambassadors.

Dr Amit Shah and Dr Anil Gudi, co-founders of Fertility Plus, said: “Elite sport asks a lot of women during the very years when fertility matters most, yet it’s a conversation the game has rarely had.

“Partnering with Chelsea FC Women allows us to help change that by giving players, staff and supporters access to trusted fertility expertise and compassionate, consultant-led care.

“We’re proud to work alongside a club that’s setting a new standard for supporting women’s health, both on and off the pitch.