We were thrilled to welcome back Dr Kat Okholm Kryger from UEFA Medical & Anti-Doping for our latest HerHealth workshop! Kat shared invaluable insights and recommendations from her extensive research and consultations in the elite game, which can be adapted and applied at the grassroots level.

During the session, we explored menstrual health and how football environments can be made more inclusive for women and girls.

Key Discussions and Findings

Sports Kit and Equipment

An ECA report revealed that 82% of elite female players experience discomfort or pain due to poorly fitting football boots. This highlights the importance of clubs considering player-specific needs when choosing kit and equipment.

Furthermore, the colour of a kit can significantly impact a player’s comfort and focus. In a study involving elite female players, one participant shared:
"A lot of players in football focus on whether you’re going to leak, especially as we tend to wear white shorts sometimes. A lot of girls ask questions like ‘Am I alright?’, ‘Do I need to change?’. It’s quite personal, but it distracts from focusing on the game or training.”

Diversity and Inclusivity in Kit Design

Inclusivity goes beyond the basics of shirts, shorts, and socks. Clubs should consider additional items such as hijabs in team colours. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco made history as the first player to wear a hijab in a World Cup match. This milestone demonstrated that cultural and religious attire is no barrier to playing football at the highest level (The Guardian, 2023).

How Grassroots Clubs Can Make a Difference?

Here are five actionable tips to improve inclusivity and support female players at grassroots level:

1. Provide Sanitary Products and Normalise Conversations

Ensure sanitary products and disposal bins are available in female toilets. Coaches can also include a “period pack” alongside traditional equipment like balls and bibs. Inform players and parents where products can be found to ease embarrassment and encourage openness about menstrual health.

2. Reconsider Pitch Allocations

Position female teams on pitches closest to clubhouse or toilet facilities. If this isn’t feasible, alternate pitch usage weekly to guarantee equal access for all teams.

3. Reassess Kit Colours

When ordering kits, consider providing darker-coloured shorts to help players feel more comfortable and confident during matches, particularly when on their period.

4. Think Beyond Standard Kits

Expand kit options to include items like hijabs and long-sleeved shirts. Providing these in club colours can help new players feel welcome and supported.

5. Share Knowledge and Positive Practices

If your club has implemented inclusive measures or learned something valuable about female health, share it with your Committee Members, Coaches, Team Secretaries, and Welfare Officers. Collaboration can drive meaningful change across grassroots football.

Reflection from Helen Ogle

Helen Ogle, Football Development Officer and co-creator of HerHealth, reflected on the workshop:

“I can’t thank Kat enough for her time delivering for us again as part of our ongoing “HerHealth” educational series, she’s a powerhouse in the female health space and we’re grateful to have access to her knowledge and expertise across so many capacities involving women and girls. The recommendations and insight Kat shared with us on the night were relatable for so many of us in the room. The best kits I’ve worn as a player have featured black shorts, but also being part of clubs who provide the option to choose a Women’s fit or a Unisex fit (often referred to as a “straight fit”), means I can tailor my kit based on how I feel best when playing. Not one of us is the same, so this really makes a difference in how we feel about ourselves on the pitch and not having to worry when we’re on our periods!”

For more information about our work in the female health space and upcoming HerHealth events, click here