PURPOSE: To inform the development of an interdisciplinary trauma-informed approach for elite sport, responsive to the needs of female athletes with trauma histories. 
  

METHODS: Participants were 15 elite female athletes from para and non-para sport (M age=24yrs, SD=7). Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke's iterative thematic analysis method. 
  

RESULTS: A female-centric trauma-informed approach describes a framework for a system change intervention that transforms the organisational culture and practices to address the seemingly higher prevalence and impact of trauma on females.  Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed the need for, (1) sports to take a strengths and resilience based approach aimed at personal empowerment, (2) further training of all personnel operating in elite sport settings – a major focus of this being to minimize the possibilities of re-traumatisation, (3) a greater shared understanding of roles and language when working with female athletes with trauma hirtories, (4) improved integrated and interdisciplinary care and coordination of referrals as required – including both formal, integrated physical and mental health services, and informal opportunities to meet other athletes with lived experience of trauma, in a non-stigmatizing setting, and (5) positive relationship-building, respect, and safety were identified as key elements of athlete facing services, which were seen as critical to counteract trauma-related shame and mistrust in others.
 
 CONCLUSION: In working with elite female athletes with lived experience of trauma, we can further expand our understanding on how to develop an interdisciplinary trauma informed approach, designed specifically for elite sports settings. Embedding the female perspective and taking a gendered-approach that recognises and addresses the unique experiences, vulnerabilities and needs of elite female athletes with lived experience of trauma can provide the best chance of restoring and maintaining athlete mental health.