League crafts Cup rules with moms in mind

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?

Last fall the NWSL Players Association estimated seven mothers are currently on active NWSL rosters, including Orlando Pride striker Sydney Leroux.

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.

NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird said she understood why the issue was important to players throughout the league. After spending weeks away from her family during the

Olympic Games as the chief marketing officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee, Baird is familiar with the emotions and challenges of being separated from family for a work commitment.

“This is something that’s pretty close to my heart,” Baird said.

The league held separate calls for players with children, outlining how they planned to accommodate them during the tournament. Baird and the league were still working on details with Utah Royals owner Dell Loy Hansen, who is covering the cost of most