West Bromwich Albion Women change colour of home shorts from white to navy to aid players during their periods
WEST BROM WOMEN have opted to change the colour of the shorts they wear with their home shirts to accommodate players’ menstruation cycles.
The decision comes months after the Lionesses flagged similar concerns with kit makers Nike in the run-up to their Euros triumph.
The club’s choice for players to don navy shorts instead of white ones, for the rest of this season and beyond, was made after a “full consultation” with the squad.
It comes in a year which has seen discussions across a number of sports around the challenges for female athletes wearing white outfits during their periods.
West Brom captain Hannah George, 27, whose team play Brighouse Town this Sunday said: “It’s great that the club are supporting our change to navy shorts.
“Representing the club professionally and looking smart in the kit is really important to us.
“This change will help us to focus on our performance without added concerns or anxiety.”
Head Coach, Jenny Sugarman, whose side competes in the third tier, added: “It’s our job as staff to find every percentage point we can to support our players to perform at their best.
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“I’m proud the club have supported the decision to switch to navy shorts for our female players.
“It’s another sign of the continued integration of the women’s team across the club and recognition of a progressive and inclusive culture.”
The issue of female athletes being obliged to wear white gear during their periods has been an ongoing topic across a variety of sports.
In July, Arsenal ace Beth Mead said the Lionesses shared their thoughts with Nike regarding the practicality of donning white shorts during their menstrual cycles
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Players had discussed the possibility of a colour change.
And in June female tennis stars queried the All England Club’s regulation of all-white wear for women competing at Wimbledon during their periods.
Two-time doubles winner Rennae Stubbs highlighted some of the challenges facing players wearing light-coloured sports gear during these moments.
The 2001 and 2004 Wimbledon doubles champion told Telegraph Sport: “At Wimbledon, you’re very cognizant of making sure that everything’s ‘good to go’ the moment you walk on the court – making sure that you have a tampon.
“A lot of women have pads on top of that or making sure you have an extra-large tampon before you go on court.”