Women's soccer in Brazil continues to operate at amateur level
Women's soccer is still a predominantly amateur sport in Brazil. This is one of the conclusions of the Diagnosis of Women's Football in Brazil, considered by the Ministry of Sport to be the first step in planning the National Strategy to promote this sport, and to which Agência Brasil had access on Sunday (Aug. 20).
Sports Minister Ana Moser affirmed, "The Ministry of Sport's diagnostic report yields valuable insights to steer future public policies, strategies, and actions. It also sheds light on primary hurdles and regional priorities."
The report reveals that only 19.2 percent of female athletes hold professional contracts, with 4.9 percent securing temporary work agreements and 1.2 percent engaged in training contracts.
Furthermore, compelling indicators underscore the imperative to elevate the professional stature of women's soccer in Brazil. Firstly, a substantial 47.9 percent of adult category players do not receive any salary or allowance. Secondly, nearly 70 percent of women soccer professionals must juggle dual roles, engaging in alternative employment to supplement their incomes.
Strategic approach
The national strategy encompasses a spectrum of initiatives designed to invigorate both professional and amateur soccer in the nation. It aims to bolster investment and technical training for girls and women in the soccer sphere.
"The strategy is a cross-cutting initiative that addresses the principles of this government's social agenda: gender equality, combating racism, and reducing inequalities. This comprehensive agenda finds an important tool in sport, particularly in the Ministry of Sport. In the case of women's soccer, we always count on the partnership of the Brazilian Football Confederation and the state federations," emphasized Ana Moser, during the program's decree-signing ceremony in March of this year.
Additionally, the strategy seeks to encourage greater female involvement in managerial roles, refereeing, and coaching positions within soccer teams. It also endeavors to establish dedicated training centers for women, equipped with tailored methodologies and pedagogical approaches adapted to the needs of female players.
