HARRISON, NJ (May 11, 2023) – Through Gotham FC’s continued commitment to health, wellness, and providing the best on- and off-the-field resources for players, coaches, and staff, the club today launched its new partnership with Shady Grove Fertility, the club’s Official Fertility Partner. Shady Grove Fertility is an industry leader in egg freezing technology and is the largest independent fertility partner of US Fertility in the country.
“Through our partnership with Shady Grove Fertility, we are providing our players, coaches and staff with access to premier fertility care and empowering them with autonomy in their plans for reproduction,” said Gotham FC Acting President Nan Vogel. “These new benefits give our players the flexibility to continue competing at the top of their game athletic careers while considering plans for their future families. As Gotham FC continues to listen to our players and meet their needs as they balance life with their demanding careers, we are excited to form this partnership with an industry leader in SGF and make expert fertility services available to them."
Among the many fertility and reproductive benefits provided through the partnership, players, coaches, and full-time employees of Gotham FC will have access to complimentary and confidential services of Shady Grove Fertility. These services include fertility consulting and testing, egg retrieval and freezing, educational learning sessions led by SGF’s expert physicians, and additional resources for fertility planning.
By offering egg freezing services to Gotham FC, SGF can help the club’s players and staff safeguard their future fertility options while still enabling them to continue to excel at the highest level as professional athletes and sports industry professionals.
“Companies are recognizing that one of the best ways to attract and retain top talent is by offering fertility preservation and other family-building benefits,” shares Anate Brauer, M.D., IVF director of SGF New York. “We want to empower players to take hold of their future fertility as they continue their career paths as professional athletes and role models for so many fans.”
Gotham FC goalkeeper Michelle Betos is a passionate advocate for the process of egg retrieval and freezing who openly shares insights with players from her personal experience with the process.
“For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mom,” said Betos. “As a woman and athlete, it’s always in the back of your mind. As my playing career went longer, I started to think, ‘When should I finish playing so I can start my family?’ But with the option of freezing my eggs, my life changed. I didn’t have to worry anymore. I can max out my potential in the NWSL and still have the opportunity to start a family when my playing career was done. Honestly, it really changed my life. I cannot explain the relief and gratitude I have for the process, and I’m overjoyed that my teammates and the staff at Gotham FC will have the services of one of the top fertility practices in the U.S.”
