Aston Villa’s women’s team is gearing up for their Women’s Super League opener against Manchester United, and there’s a twist to their preparation – they’ll be sporting the club’s “sweat-heavy” shirts. While Villa Women had no issues with these shirts last year, the men’s team has been quite vocal about their discomfort, attributing it to the shirts retaining an excessive amount of sweat.
You’d think that the problem could be solved before the weekend game, but alas, it’s proven to be more complex than that. Talks with the kit manufacturer, Castore, are ongoing, and it seems that the new claret and blue home shirts are the worst affected. These shirts are making headlines for all the wrong reasons, changing color during games due to moisture retention and hugging players’ chests a bit too closely.
The situation has gotten so dicey that there are even rumors of Aston Villa and Castore discussing the possibility of ending their multi-year contract prematurely. However, it appears that the club is looking to change the material rather than the shirt design, and the players will continue to sport Castore kits for the remainder of the season.
Villa’s manager, Carla Ward, acknowledges that her players share similar concerns with the men’s team regarding these shirts. Still, her primary focus is on the upcoming game against Manchester United, which will be broadcast live on BBC Two.
In an unexpected twist, football commentator Jacqui Oatley has shed light on how the women’s side feels about these “clingy” shirts. They are apparently not looking forward to their upcoming TV games due to concerns about how they’ll appear in the wet, clingy kit.
Castore, the kit manufacturer, hasn’t remained silent on the matter. While they haven’t provided a statement to Sport Newes Center, they did release a statement to The Daily Telegraph. They expressed their commitment to addressing the issue quickly and meeting their expected standards. They thanked the club for their patience and support and emphasized their goal of constantly improving product performance.
Castore is a British brand founded by the Beahon brothers and provides sportswear for a range of athletes and teams, including Andy Murray, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rangers, and even Formula 1 teams like Red Bull and McLaren.
As for the fans, it’s safe to say they’ve noticed this issue, particularly when Villa’s men’s side wore these shirts during a Europa League match against Legia Warsaw. It’s a perplexing situation, as there are typically many quality checks in place to ensure that elite athletes have the best gear possible. However, it seems that the unique challenges of sweat retention have caught everyone off guard.
The silver lining here is that Villa isn’t alone in facing this issue. Similar problems have arisen in the past with teams like Bayern Munich and their Adidas kits, usually in international matches and extreme temperatures. It’s a rare occurrence in the British game, but it’s clear that when it does happen, it becomes a headline-grabbing spectacle.
In the end, all eyes are on Aston Villa’s women’s team as they navigate this sweaty jersey conundrum and prepare for their showdown with Manchester United. While the shirt issue is making waves, the players, fans, and the club itself are determined to stay focused on the beautiful game, and perhaps, the promise of drier days on the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about sweat-heavy shirts
What are the issues with Aston Villa’s shirts mentioned in the article?
Aston Villa’s shirts, particularly the new claret and blue home shirts, have been experiencing problems related to moisture retention. These shirts are labeled as “sweat-heavy” and have been criticized by the male players for being uncomfortable due to the excessive sweat they retain. This has led to the shirts changing color during games and clinging tightly to the players’ chests.
Are there talks of terminating the contract with the kit manufacturer, Castore?
Yes, there are reports of discussions between Aston Villa and Castore about potentially terminating their multi-year contract. However, it’s important to note that the club’s intention is to change the material of the shirts rather than the design. Despite these talks, players will continue to wear Castore kits for the remainder of the season.
How are the players and manager reacting to these shirt issues?
Both the men’s and women’s teams at Aston Villa have expressed concerns about the shirts. Villa Women’s manager, Carla Ward, acknowledges these concerns but remains focused on the upcoming games. The players, on the other hand, are apprehensive about wearing the “clingy” shirts, especially during televised matches.
What is Castore’s response to the situation?
Castore, the kit manufacturer, has not commented directly to Sport Newes Center but did provide a statement to The Daily Telegraph. In their statement, they express their commitment to addressing the issue promptly and improving the performance of their products. They also thank the club for their support and patience during this period.
Is this issue unique to Aston Villa, or have other teams faced similar problems?
While it’s a rare occurrence in British football, similar problems related to sweat retention have been experienced by other teams, including Bayern Munich with their Adidas kits. These issues typically arise in international matches or extreme temperatures.
How have fans and experts reacted to the situation?
Fans have certainly noticed the shirt issues, with particular attention drawn to a match where Villa’s men’s team wore these shirts without a sponsor. Experts in kit design and football kits have expressed surprise that such an issue has reached this level in elite football. There is speculation that finding a solution, such as changing the material, may take some time.
Is there any impact on the upcoming games?
Despite the shirt issues, both the club and the players are determined to stay focused on their upcoming matches. The women’s team is preparing for their Women’s Super League opener against Manchester United, which will be broadcast live on BBC Two.
More about sweat-heavy shirts
- [Aston Villa women to wear sweat-heavy shirts despite talks with manufacturer Castore](insert URL)
- [Sport Newes Center](insert URL)
- [The Telegraph](insert URL)
- [Castore](insert URL)
- [Bayern Munich Adidas kit issue](insert URL)
- [BBC Radio 5 Live](insert URL)
- [Aston Villa men’s team Europa League match](insert URL)
- [Jacqui Oatley](insert URL)
