October 26, 2021 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
In a first-of-its-kind agreement for a National Women’s Soccer League club, Racing Louisville FC has partnered with Kentucky Fertility Institute to provide players a modern health benefit.
Kentucky Fertility Institute will begin offering complimentary fertility preservation services including egg freezing, embryo freezing and long-term storage. The partnership gives Racing’s players the flexibility to start a family with minimal interruption to careers on the pitch, either via surrogacy or personal use upon retirement.
“From Day 1, Racing Louisville has been about raising the bar in women’s soccer,” said club president Brad Estes. “From facilities to nutrition to general day-to-day support, we are committed to giving these athletes everything they need to succeed and enjoy life. We are very proud to announce this groundbreaking partnership with Kentucky Fertility Institute.”
“Women’s professional athletes have long been burdened with an excruciating choice of continuing their finite careers or taking time off – sometimes retiring – to start a family,” added Brynn Sebring, the club’s director of player experience. “With the Kentucky Fertility Institute’s help, Racing Louisville has effectively eliminated the financial burden of an alternate solution, allowing our athletes a choice few other players have.”
This deal was struck as issues of reproductive health and family planning take on increased visibility in women’s sports. The WNBA, for example, has built into its collective bargaining agreement reimbursement for veteran players toward adoption, surrogacy, egg freezing or fertility treatment.
While egg freezing requires an athlete to go at least two weeks without training, the process can be completed during the offseason. Racing’s agreement also covers cryo-storage fees for players who use preservation services but are later out of contract with the club.
“Professional athletes shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their plans for a family,” said Dr. Robert Hunter, who founded and directs Kentucky Fertility Institute, based in Louisville’s East End. “We know this is a priority for Racing’s players and appreciate the club’s support in making these services accessible.”
Hunter maintains a goal of making sure medical care and experience provided to Kentucky Fertility Institute patients is unparalleled in the region. His clinical approach is compassionate, open-minded, and patient-centered- as he believes every patient’s journey to parenthood is unique.
An agreement with Kentucky Fertility Institute continues a trend of heightened player experience for NWSL athletes in Louisville. Racing calls home the new Lynn Family Stadium – which will on Nov. 20 host the NWSL Championship – and bases daily at the Lynn Family Sports Vision & Training Center, a $15 million facility housing locker room spaces, a weight room, cafeteria as well as the club’s office staff and youth academy.
Racing’s inaugural campaign concludes this week with consecutive games against NJ/NY Gotham FC. The ladies in lavender host Gotham FC – and its star U.S. international, Carli Lloyd – at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The regular season ends Sunday with Racing at Gotham FC for a 3 p.m. kickoff on CBS Sports Network.
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