Brighton & Hove Albion women are exploring the possibility of installing “a different type of pitch” in their new stadium to reduce the risk of injuries.

The club's chief executive, Paul Barber, says they're looking into the safety of various surfaces as part of plans for a purpose-built stadium for the women’s team.

Barber believes pitches built for men’s football are a contributing factor to the long-term injuries female players suffer and has called for more research into this issue.

BHAFC are developing their own findings to ensure the surface at their new stadium is suitable for elite women ballers.

"There has been a lot of coverage recently on the quality of surfaces women's footballers have been asked to play on,” Barber said. “For us, the whole basis of building a women's stadium is to show as much respect to the female athletes as we do to the men's. That should include the quality of surfaces as well.”

Barber also says the new stadium will feature breastfeeding rooms, baby changing areas and buggy parks for prams to be stored.

The quality and suitability of pitches in the women’s game needs drastic improvement. ACL injuries have been a longstanding issue at all levels, and the lack of access to facilities tailored to women along with the lack of research has turned this issue into an epidemic.

Respect to Brighton & Hove Albion for leading the way and seeking to address an inequality in the game. Here’s hoping other clubs follow suit.