LIVINGSTON Women FC have ditched their white away kit shorts and will change to black shorts following a consultation with players.
The club today announced a switch from white to black shorts in a move to "reduce anxiety" among women playing sport during their menstrual cycle.
Club chiefs had held discussions with the ladies section and players were consulted over the change to help players feel more comfortable.
Players had raised concerns over wearing the white shorts when on a period which led to the discussion and change to the playing kit.
Livingston have committed to ensure any possible anxiety or worry through kits will be fully considered going forward.
Livingston WFC captain Natasha Frew said: “I think this change will allow us to focus more on our game and will reduce the anxiety among women in sport during their menstrual cycle.
"I think it’s great that we have the backing of the club to support our change from white to black shorts. Our away all white kit is nice but not always practical at a certain time of the month.”
Livingston WFC head coach Paul Jaconelli said: “It’s brilliant that the club are supporting our change to black shorts. Representing the club and looking smart in the kit is really important to the team and this change will help the ladies to focus on their game without added concerns or anxiety.
“As coaches, it’s our responsibility to support our players to perform at their best. It’s another sign of the continued integration of the women’s team across the club and recognition of a progressive and inclusive culture.”
Livingston WFC player Erin Burns added: “Livingston offering us the option to change to black shorts from white and amber is great.
"It makes us feel a lot more comfortable and less anxious when playing during specific times of the month.”
And team-mate Rebecca Jaconelli also commented: “It’s great that the club are supporting us in changing to black shorts! It’s another positive step and shows how football can adapt to be more inclusive for all.
"This will take away the worry of having to wear lighter shorts during our time of the month and allow us to focus on football.”
Head of commercial & media operations Dave Black said: “The club were more than happy to engage and take on board the feedback from the ladies section on this and after discussions, everyone from the Chairman, the board, through to the men’s first team were more than happy to back the switch to black shorts for the women’s team.
“Far be it for anyone else at the club to determine a decision like this – it’s a simple solution to something that means a lot to the playing squad at the women’s team and if being able to give the green light to a switch like this and help reduce any worries, anxiety and uncomfortable feelings that were had by the team then it can only be a good thing.
“Football is for everyone and we have a duty as a club to continue to be progressive and inclusive and hopefully this continues to show the positive steps we’re taking to do that.
A big thank you to kit supplier The Soccer Shop: Direct for their speedy turnaround on additional black match shorts for the ladies section too.”
