West Bromwich Albion switch to navy shorts over period concerns
West Bromwich Albion’s women’s team will wear navy shorts with their home kit going forward amid concerns about having to wear white while on their periods.
The decision to abandon the club's traditional white shorts was made in the hope it would provide a psychological boost to the players, who compete in the third tier of women’s football.
“It’s great that the club is supporting our change to navy shorts,” said Hannah George, the team's captain. “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.”
The issue of elite sports women wearing white has been a hot topic this year, with a growing number of female athletes from grassroots to the elite level choosing to speak out about the impracticality of competing in white during menstruation.
Even the Lionesses have held discussions with the FA’s official kit manufacturer, Nike, about ditching their white shorts, as revealed by Telegraph Sport in July this year. “It’s very nice to have an all-white kit but sometimes it’s not practical when it’s the time of the month. We deal with it as best we can,” said England striker Beth Mead.
In tennis, Wimbledon has faced growing pressure to rethink its strict dress code for female players. A small-scale protest was staged outside the main gates at the All England Club on the day of this year’s ladies’ singles final, with critics accusing organisers of “turning a blind eye” to the anxiety women’s players face at having to wear traditional whites while on their periods.
The subject has also come into sharp focus in age-grade cricket, with England player Tammy Beaumont suggesting the option of wearing coloured trousers could help address girls’ participation challenges.
Jenny Sugarman, the West Bromwich Albion women’s head coach, added: “It’s our job as staff to find every percentage point we can to support our players to perform at their best. I’m proud the club has 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 Baggies, who currently sit seventh in the FA National League Northern Premier Division, continue their season against Brighouse Town on Sunday.
