The National Women’s Soccer League is moving forward with its closed-door Challenge Cup tournament, which will allow the league to return amid the coronavirus pandemic by isolating teams in a single location in Utah.
But initial plans to sequester players to help fend off the coronavirus led to a significant question — how would the league accommodate players who are mothers of young children.
Although this number accounts for a small percentage of NWSL players, questions surrounding childcare were a major concern for the NWSLPA as they discussed playing during the pandemic. The issue resonated with players throughout the league, who advocated for resources for their teammates.