The girls’ team at Reymersholms IK changed from white pants to black to avoid the worry of menstrual bleeding.
You feel more free and safe than you’ve ever felt before, says player Robbie Edvardson.
Now the Swedish Football Association is advising more clubs to do the same.
sudermal mescalopene Reymersholms IK She’s been wearing green shirts and white shorts since the start in 1899. But in April 2020, a historic decision was made: the girls’ section was allowed to play in black shorts.
Players on one of the club’s girls’ teams have expressed concern about menstrual bleeding, and their committed team captain Laine Trondsen Hetberg has listened.
A clear proposal to the club’s board of directors led to a quick decision.
Robbie Edvardson, now 15, remembers change and comfort.
– It was a great gift. For me it was a very nice decision and I know it was the same for many on the team. When we started complaining, we were about thirteen years old, many had their first period. Many were worried they would bleed, she says, continuing:
There were many players who skipped matches because of their period. They thought it was hard, but it won’t happen now.
Line Trondsen Hetteberg also remembers:
– I realized that they felt a lack of freedom in the way they moved. It was easy for me to address this issue. It was clear to me that it was a mistake. We can’t have a single player who didn’t want to join in because they were afraid blood would seep on their shorts, she says and emphasizes:
– They were glad that we adults in the club listened to the children, she says.
The Swedish Football Association’s advice to the associations on how to facilitate the girls’ and women’s teams in the “All Days” project:
• Menstrual protection, such as patches and bandages, should be mandatory in all team bags.
• Access to toilets.
• Individually adapted training for all phases of the menstrual cycle.
Educate leaders on how menstruation affects players.
• Offer darker pants if desired.
Robbie Edvardson, now on the club’s U16 squad:
– We still play in black pants. We girls shouldn’t feel insecure or afraid when we do something we love. You have to dare say when something is difficult.
As part of its investment in menstruation-related challenges, the Swedish Football Association is advising more clubs to follow the initiative at Reymersholms IK.
– It’s great advice. It’s not just about wearing black pants, but it should be fairly easy to solve despite the fact that any association decision is required, says Per Widén, Head of Education and Development at SvFF.