In this solo episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole breaks down practical strategies for building effective health and performance systems in women's football using stewardship theory.
This episode is based on Nicole's dissertation completed as part of her Master's in Sport Directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University, titled What Do Women Need? Developing a Framework for Athlete Health and Performance Structures and Strategies in Elite Women's Football.
As the women's game continues to grow, there is a unique opportunity to design systems that prioritize athlete health, long-term performance, and sustainable success rather than simply replicating models from the men's game.
Nicole introduces stewardship theory as a guiding framework for how medical and performance teams should operate, emphasizing athlete-centered decision making, collaboration, and long-term thinking.
Topics include:
• Why the growth of women's football creates an opportunity to design better systems
• What stewardship theory is and why it matters in elite sport
• Common challenges in women's football including limited resources and rapid professionalization
• Why copying systems from the men's game may lead to the same problems
• The importance of shared objectives such as availability, readiness, and performance development
• How to structure communication within health and performance teams
• The role of trust, consistency, and ethical behavior in building athlete buy-in
• Using interdisciplinary collaboration and "pod systems" to improve individualized care
• Why athlete education is critical for autonomy and decision making
• The importance of continuous professional development and reflective practice
This episode provides a clear, practical framework for practitioners working in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sport science, and performance leadership roles in women's football.
👉 Subscribe to Femme FC for more conversations connecting research, performance, and women's football.
✨ Femme Football Collective: Elevating the Game, Empowering the Experts.
JOIN THE COLLECTIVE:
Website: https://femmefc.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc
Don't miss the Soccer Performance Support Summit this June!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator
Disclaimer: The information presented is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical care. Please consult an appropriate healthcare provider for individual concerns.
