Freiburg Coach Returns After Maternity Leave as Football Grapples with Support for Mothers

Theresa Merk's return highlights progress and gaps in policies for pregnant women and mothers in professional football.

Theresa Merk, SC Freiburg's coach, resumes her role after giving birth to her daughter in August, marking a significant moment in professional football.
The German Football Association (DFB) recently aligned with FIFA's global standards to strengthen protections for pregnant players and mothers, but challenges remain.
Merk emphasizes the need for clear policies supporting pregnant coaches, particularly as many work under fixed-term contracts.
Former national goalkeeper Almuth Schult, a mother of three, criticizes the lack of trust and proper reintegration systems for footballers returning from maternity leave.
Schult also highlights the absence of neutral resources for players considering pregnancy, suggesting that clubs and associations are ill-prepared to address these needs.