Breast health

The breast has limited intrinsic support and consequently excessive breast movement can occur during sports activities. Football requires multiple and constant changes of direction, accelerations and decelerations; therefore, breast movement and appropriate breast support is an important consideration for footballers. However, there is still much to learn about breast biomechanics within football, and despite the recognised benefits of appropriate breast support, there is wide variation across clubs and governing bodies (including the English Football Association, UEFA and FIFA) with regard to the use of evidence-based guidelines on breast support for women footballers. In this chapter, we provide a summary of the negative consequences associated with breast movement, including exercise-induced breast pain, potential breast tissue damage, embarrassment and changes to biomechanical and physiological variables, all of which can have potential participation and performance implications. We then present research on the benefits of wearing appropriate breast support when playing football, and provide information on breast support options, highlighting specific sports bra considerations for women footballers and how to obtain the correct bra fit. Lastly, we discuss the importance of breast education and awareness initiatives and provide practical recommendations to facilitate discussions between players and coaches/medical staff about breast-related issues.