England hockey team make history in new skorts and shorts kit at Euros

England Women’s team are the first team to compete internationally in a mix of skorts and shorts

The England hockey squad changed the game this week by playing the Euro Hockey Championship in a combination of skorts - a skirt with shorts attached underneath - and shorts.

Until now all the players kit had to match - meaning everyone had to wear skirts, or everyone had to wear shorts or everyone had to wear skorts - under International Hockey Federation (FIH) rules.

But the rules have changed, meaning players at this year's Championship in Germany can choose for themselves what to wear.

England Hockey says it wants the new kit rules to make women more "comfortable" and also want playing kits to "respects all religious, cultural, and personal choices".

Why has England Hockey changed its kit?

Tess Howard, seen here in profile, helped England win a first Commonwealth Games gold last summer. Now she's changed the game when it comes to kit

England Hockey changed its rules following research that demonstrated sport kits play a major role in girls dropping out of sport.

The research was compiled by Tess Howard - an England Hockey Player.

Her investigation into girls' participation in sport found that kit and body image concerns were the main reason girls cited for dropping out of sport.

She said the fix would be "expanding sports kit flexibility and choice increases comfort in sport and the likelihood of long-term participation".

Clothing choice goes beyond shorts, skirts and skorts. Tess said kit should also include "long-sleeves, leggings and head-coverings" options to improve players comfort and confidence.

Her research led to England Hockey changing its kit regulation for England Hockey's domestic league.

Then, after England Hockey wrote to the International Hockey Federation, they amended their rules too - allowing women to choose what to wear.

England Hockey said "England Women's team made history by becoming the first team to compete internationally in a mixture of skorts and shorts".

What does gender have to do with sports kit?

England captain Leah Williamson missed the World Cup because of a knee injury, and has spoken out about the need for more kit and technology designed specifically for women

For women, sports kits are often challenging.

Football boots and balls were designed for men. Female feet are a different shape and size and women are twice as likely to be injured because of this during a game.

Players and those involved in sport have called for specifically-designed footwear for women's feet and clothing that works with women's bodies.

There's also the matter of periods. White shorts can be a concern and make women and girls worried they will leak on to the material while playing.

The Lionesses 2023 World Cup kit even went for blue shorts rather than white for this reason.

What else have England Hockey said about the Women's kit?

Hollie Pearne-Webb wrote to the FIH in April following England Hockey's decision to make changes to the national kit regulations

England Hockey says the decision is all about making sure players feel "included" and "comfortable".

It says the new kit regulations also address religious headwear for the first time to "provide clarity on the items that can be worn when playing, including, for the first time, making explicit reference to head coverings for players, such as turbans and hijabs ."

England Hockey says it is important to reflect and represent "the diverse participation of our game and our country" by "respecting religion, culture and personal choice".

What do you think about the changes to kit regulations? Do you think women and girls should have more freedom to choose what they play in? Let us know in the comments.