Livingston women change colour of their shorts to reduce anxiety

Livingston’s women have switched from white to black shorts in order to make the players feel more comfortable.

The decision was made after discussions with the players and coaches to better understand anxieties when players have their period. Wearing white shorts has often been seen as an issue in women’s football and Livingston were keen to tackle it. Captain Natasha Frew believes that the change will help the players focus more on their game.

She stated: “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 are on fine form this season, currently top of the Scottish Women’s Championship and have won seven out of nine games in the league. The club believes acting on the feedback of players can only help improve the atmosphere and make for a more comfortable environment.

Rebecca Jaconelli, Erin Burns and Natasha Frew showing off Livingston's new black shorts. Photo: Fiona Walker

David Black, Livingston’s head of commercial and media operations, says everyone at the club was supportive of the change. He added: “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.”