{
  "id": 18396971,
  "title": "Her school principal told her football wasn’t for girls – she’s now a doctor for a top women’s club in England",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/her-school-principal-told-her-football-wasnt-for-girls-shes-now-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T23:14:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/women/singaporean-football-doctor-bethany-koh-england-6485191"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "From playing basketball on a Singaporean primary school court during the 2002 FIFA World Cup to now serving as a first-team doctor for Chelsea FC Women, Bethany Koh's journey has been anything but conventional. At just 10 years old, Koh was captivated by the sport, joining her friends in impromptu football matches during recesses. This fascination only grew stronger in her teenage years, leading her to establish a girls' football CCA at her secondary school. However, the school principal, believing football was not for girls, ultimately shut down her efforts. Undeterred, Koh continued playing with her friends on school grounds and in the neighborhoods of Bedok.\n\nToday, Koh is a prominent figure in English women's football, serving as a doctor for one of the country's top women's clubs. Her role extends beyond treating injuries and providing emergency medical care; she also acts as the team's primary care physician, overseeing the health and well-being of the 27 professional players who compete in major leagues and cup competitions. Each match, Koh's responsibilities include assessing injuries, communicating with the players and medical staff, and even partaking in team celebrations like high-fives and huddles.\n\nKoh's career path was not always clear. As a child, she never imagined she would become a football doctor. Yet, her experiences on the pitch and her dedication to the sport provided a foundation for her future. She pursued a kinesiology degree in Canada before attending medical school in London, with the goal of specializing in sports medicine. A seminar given by a football doctor at her university ultimately inspired her to pursue this unique career.\n\nThe demands of Koh's job are extensive, covering everything from treating severe injuries to managing common ailments like allergies, menstrual cramps, and minor wounds. She also plays a crucial role in determining when players should be removed from the game or training due to health concerns. Her decisions can sometimes create tension, particularly when players feel they have been unfairly sidelined. However, Koh remains firm in her judgments, justifying each decision based on the players' health and well-being.\n\nDespite the challenges, Koh takes pride in her role as a vital part of her team. She describes the pre-match discussions in the changing room and the camaraderie shared with the players and staff as an integral part of her job. For Koh, being part of Chelsea FC Women's medical team is not just a professional obligation; it's a deeply personal connection to the sport she loves.",
  "summary": "From treating injuries on the pitch to making tough calls about when players can return to action, Singaporean doctor Bethany Koh has provided medical cover at more than 60 women’s football matches in England, including for Chelsea FC Women.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bethany Koh started playing football in primary school, inspired by 2002 FIFA World Cup.",
    "School principal banned girls' football, but Koh continued playing secretly.",
    "Now Chelsea FC Women's first-team doctor, overseeing health of 27 professional players."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}