Supporting overseas players to settle in

As the female game professionalises, and provides players at various ages with the opportunity to travel and play abroad, more teams and coaches are faced with the challenge of welcoming international players into their fold for the first time.

 

For many players, heading overseas can present an exciting opportunity to experience a new league and culture. 

 

But it can be daunting, too – and without the right support, both on and off the field, it can lead to failure.

 

An important and immediate challenge for overseas female players is the lack of valid and reliable information. 

 

For example, upon arrival, they should receive a card with the contact information of the relevant individuals they might need to contact. 

 

Depending on the resources available, individuals on the card might include: physio/doctor, head/assistant coach(es), and local police. 

 

When issues occur, it should be clear to each player who their direct point of contact is and, when needed, this person can refer the player to a relevant resource, such as a reputable local lawyer or psychologist.

 

Many foreign players will not have an immediate emotional support system, such as family or friends, to rely on, due to time zones and physical distance. 

 

One way to ensure players feel supported is to appoint an ’integration buddy’. They can be introduced to that person prior to their arrival.

 

Once they have landed, the integration buddy, along with the direct point of contact, should meet the player at the point of entry.

 

The integration buddy should be selected with consideration to the team dynamics and the needs of the overseas player.

 

The role could be done by a senior player, who will help the overseas player integrate with their new team-mates. Alternatively, it could be one of the team’s foreign players, particularly if the new arrival is sharing living accommodation with the other overseas players on the team. 

 

It is important that a foreign player feels like they are set up for success at their new club. 

 

When they arrive at their accommodation, a welcome package is a nice touch. Depending on the age of the player, budget of the club, and location, it could include items with the club or university logo – such as a scarf and hat – a transportation card with a starter fare for 1-4 free travel days, and a pre-paid mobile/cellphone SIM card, to see them through the first few weeks in their new home.

 

The benefits of this are many. A transport card can give players the autonomy to travel to places, such as the grocery store or bank, to get themselves set up, and a SIM card can help them contact their family back home.

 

There should not be a ’one size fits all’ or ‘cut and paste’ approach from the men’s game to the women’s game, which has occurred for most of my employment as a player, coach, and administrator. 

 

Identifying the challenges foreign players face, and collectively resolving them, is important to optimize the integration of these players into the team, club and country.

 

When female players are well-supported off the field, it allows them to focus on their on-field performance.

 

Teams, clubs, and universities will significantly benefit through a proactive approach supporting and integrating their overseas players.