Penrith Ladies welcome maternity pay for female footballers
Penrith Ladies are welcoming the announcement that players in English women's football are now guaranteed maternity pay and long-term sickness cover.
The Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association have agreed a change to contracts of players in the Women's Super League and Championship.
Maternity cover has previously been at the discretion of individual clubs.
Jess Lawson, who plays for the Cumbrian team told us:
"It's a massive milestone in women's football nationally, internationally as well.
"I think not only is it a huge status for female players but it speaks volume for employability rights and taking that next step in women's football.
"I'm already thinking about the young generation of female footballers that we have in this country in particular through our regional talent clubs and some of our academies.
"It sets a massive bar for those guys and they don't have to worry about that financial burden if they do decide they want to have a family.
"Young girls out there who might want to aspire to be professional footballers can do that."