Period concerns: West Bromwich Albion women's footballers wear blue shorts

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New workwear: West Bromwich Albion players now wear blue shorts

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WBA Women

The West Bromwich Albion women's team have swapped out their white home kit shorts for dark blue ones.

The club cited the concerns of the players during their periods as the reason.

Playing in the third tier FA Women's National League North, Albion Women will wear the blue shorts for the rest of the 2022/2023 season and beyond.

"The wearing of white clothing during playing time is an issue that has been raised by women in all sports and Albion will ensure that this is taken into account in the design of all future home kits," the club said in an official statement.

The decision to change the shorts was taken after extensive consultation with the players, the club said.

"This change will help us focus on our performance without adding any additional worries or fears," said Hannah George, Albion Women's captain.

Manager Jenny Sugarman said she was proud of the club's decision.

"This is another sign of the continued integration of the women's team across the club and recognition of a progressive and inclusive culture," said Sugarman.

Discussion has been smoldering for a long time

The question of whether female athletes should wear white clothing had already been discussed at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in the summer.

At the time, British tennis player Alicia Barnett spoke about stress during periods and brought up a change to the strict rules for white clothing.

"Some traditions could be changed," Barnett told the British PA news agency.

The issue is not new in football either: England striker Beth Mead was asked about the team's all-white kits at the European Women's Championship and said: 'Hopefully they change that month."

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