Aston Villa have complained to their kit manufacturer Castore after players reported concerns that their shirts were weighing them down during matches and affecting performance.
Villa have asked the Manchester-based sportswear company to remedy the issue after players said the shirts were clinging to them because of perspiration, creating a wet look.
There are some concerns among Villa’s women’s team, who are due to wear the shirts for their televised opening WSL game at home to Manchester United on Sunday. They have worn the shirt in pre-season.
Brentford’s director of elite performance, Ben Ryan, recently told the Guardian how they reported a similar issue with Umbro. Brentford’s away kit last season did not contain sweat-wicking technology, meaning players were carrying an extra 500g during matches, prompting them to wear their third kit whenever possible.
“Collectively over 90 minutes that adds up a little bit and also it might make you not as comfortable and not as confident, so all of those small things come into it,” Ryan said.
Villa are two years into a “multi-year” deal with Castore, which also produced kits for Newcastle, Wolves and Rangers this season, as well as for Andy Murray and England’s cricket team. Castore’s tagline is: “Demand better – premium performance.” Castore has been approached for comment.
Villa, who beat Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend, return to action in the Carabao Cup at home to Everton on Wednesday.
