Livingston Women FC will switch to black shorts for their away kit for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign and into future seasons.

The decision to change to black shorts rather than white was taken after discussions between the club and the ladies section, as well as consultation amongst the playing squad in an effort to make the players more comfortable when representing the club.

Wearing white shorts when on a period is an issue that has been regularly highlighted by women across not just football, but a range of sports and the club, alongside the ladies section, will ensure this is considered fully in future seasons to reduce any worry and anxiety amongst the squad that may have come from wearing white.

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.”

Erin Burns, Livingston WFC attacker 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.”

Livingston WFC midfielder 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.”

The team are back in action this weekend, travelling to Cumnock to take on Ayr United, looking to continue their good form and remain at the top of the SWF Championship table.

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