Female footballers are not on a level playing field when it comes to sports technology, research shows
Female footballers need specifically tailored products such as equipment, boots and balls to optimize their performance and safety on the pitch, according to an article published in Sports technology. The authors conclude that while some progress has been made in addressing the equipment needs of female players, vital gaps in research, development and production still exist in women’s football.
Although the popularity of professional women’s football has increased in many countries, highlighted by England’s recent victory at the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championships, the technology and equipment are still largely designed for men’s football. Strikingly, a recent study found only 32 published scientific articles on technology in women’s football.
Kat Okholm Kryger and colleagues – including England women’s national football team captain Leah Williamson – asked ten questions to highlight the minimal progress that has been made in elite women’s football technology, and the barriers that still exist to tailor-made making equipment available to female players. The authors discuss why tailor-made technology for female footballers is necessary and highlight that although women have different physical needs than men, equipment such as football boots and balls are still designed for men rather than women. These issues can both increase the risk of injury from ill-fitting shoes, and reduce performance due to the proportionately greater effort required to kick the ball compared to men.
Additionally, the authors report that many female soccer players feel uncomfortable wearing soccer shorts (which are typically white) due to concerns about possible menstrual leaks. Professional female footballers are also often required to wear specific sports bras provided by kit sponsors, rather than the optimal sports bra for their body type. This can also reduce performance and lead to discomfort while running and turning.
The authors note that manufacturers are recognizing the lack of development in women’s football technology and that there is a positive shift towards women-specific products. However, progress is limited by the lack of existing research, and concerted efforts are needed to address key gaps in understanding the needs of female footballers.
