I can speak for South Africa and Zimbabwe. Anecdotally based on everyone I grew with and went to university with. Most women give up sport the moment they leave

I can speak for South Africa and Zimbabwe. Anecdotally based on everyone I grew with and went to university with. Most women give up sport the moment they leave high school. Only a handful of sports are professional. Women's soccer is not professional. As a result, both men and women tend to focus on studies and work. Logistically in your early career, it is also difficult to play sport. Getting lifts to and from practice when you don't have a car is a nightmare, buying kit and footing your own travel expenses to matches. The men continue to play sport on a social level right up to their 40s. I gather in the US women get soccer scholarships. It doesn't happen this side of the world.