Chelsea are used to being the first. While plenty of that has come on the pitch, it is the behind the scenes work that is truly leading the way for female players and women's health.

Now, the Blues are the first team in the WSL to introduced new fertility and maternity policies, giving their players the choice to start a family in whichever way they want to, and the post-natal support to balance the demands of elite sport and motherhood.

The Blues were also the first club in the world to starting tracking menstrual cycles - introduced by Emma Hayes in February 2020 - and how they impact performance. This is the next step in that process.

"As a club, it's always been really important for us to support our players the best way possible," Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor exclusively told Sky Sports. "You don't have to choose anymore between your professional career and your personal life being a mum. Now, both are possible."

Chelsea have partnered with leading London fertility clinic Fertility Plus - and former goalkeeper and commercial manager for the women's team, Carly Telford, has led the way it that collaboration.