Aston Villa’s women’s team is approaching their upcoming match with a sense of trepidation, and it’s not because of their opponents. Rather, it’s the club’s shirts that have raised concerns. Football commentator Jacqui Oatley sheds light on this unusual predicament.
The issue at hand becomes glaringly apparent when Villa dons their home shirts, particularly when playing without a sponsor, as was the case during their Europa League encounter against Legia Warsaw.
It appears that Villa’s male counterparts have voiced their discomfort with these shirts, citing that they seem to trap sweat, resulting in an uncomfortable playing experience. The home claret and blue shirts, crafted by the British sportswear company Castore, are the most affected, with noticeable changes in color occurring during games.
“This is going to be a big problem,” Oatley stated emphatically during an interview with BBC Newsbeat.
Aston Villa’s women are scheduled to sport these troublesome shirts in their Women’s Super League opener against Manchester United this coming Sunday, with the kickoff set for 12:30 BST, and the match will be broadcast live on BBC Two.
Oatley highlights the irony in this situation: “They’ve got four TV games coming up. Normally they’d absolutely relish those games and look forward to them. But they’re actually dreading it because they’re really conscious about how they’re going to look in this wet, clingy kit – for obvious reasons.”
It’s worth noting that during most of Aston Villa’s men’s matches this season, players have resorted to changing their soaked shirts at halftime due to this unusual sweat retention problem.
Oatley went on to describe how the women’s team “absolutely hated” wearing this kit during a pre-season friendly against Chelsea.
“For female athletes, there’s already enough to focus on in terms of being the best they can be on the football field without the added concern of getting sweaty and having their kit cling to them. This affects performance, not only from a functional standpoint as it does with men but also from an aesthetic perspective,” Oatley explained.
She also highlighted the unique considerations for female athletes, as women have different body shapes and proportions compared to men. These concerns should have been taken into account before releasing this kit, she argued.
“In May 2022, Villa proudly announced their ‘landmark multi-year’ deal with Castore. However, it seems that the club is now working closely with Castore to find a solution to the problem after players from the men’s team claimed the shirts were weighing them down, according to The Telegraph,” Oatley revealed.
Sport News Center has reached out to both Aston Villa and Castore for their comments on the matter.
The issue with the shirts was evident in Villa’s match against Chelsea over the weekend, with Villa defender Callum Chambers and goalkeeper Emi Martinez appearing in stark contrast due to the sweating shirt problem.
This unusual dilemma puts the spotlight on the importance of considering the specific needs and comfort of athletes, irrespective of their gender, when designing sports apparel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about sweating shirts
What is the issue with Aston Villa’s women’s team shirts?
The issue with Aston Villa’s women’s team shirts is that they are retaining sweat, making the players feel uncomfortable during matches. This problem is particularly noticeable with the home claret and blue shirts.
Who pointed out this issue with the shirts?
Football commentator Jacqui Oatley highlighted this problem with Aston Villa’s shirts. She expressed concerns that the women’s team is dreading upcoming matches due to the discomfort caused by the sweaty shirts.
Are the male players facing similar problems with the shirts?
Yes, the male players from Aston Villa have also reportedly experienced issues with the shirts retaining sweat, leading to discomfort. This issue isn’t limited to just the women’s team.
When is Aston Villa’s women’s team expected to wear these shirts?
Aston Villa’s women’s team is set to wear these shirts in their Women’s Super League opener against Manchester United. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC Two.
Has the club taken any steps to address this issue?
The club is working with Castore, the sportswear group that produces these shirts, to find a solution to the problem. Players from the men’s team have also voiced their concerns about the shirts, so efforts are being made to resolve this issue for both the men’s and women’s teams.
How has this issue affected the players’ performance?
The problem with these shirts not only affects the players’ comfort but can also impact their performance on the field. When athletes are constantly thinking about how they look or dealing with sweaty, clingy shirts, it can distract them from their game, which is crucial for peak performance.
What has been the reaction within the football community?
The issue with Aston Villa’s shirts has garnered attention within the football community, with concerns raised about the importance of considering the specific needs and comfort of athletes, regardless of their gender, when designing sports apparel.
More about sweating shirts
- Aston Villa Women’s Team
- Castore Sportswear
- Women’s Super League
- BBC Two
- The Telegraph
- Sport News Center
1 comment
dis story shows dat kit design shud b more thotful 4 all athletes, no matter gender