[OFF THE POST/PHOTO] Dutch amateur women's team FC de Rakt has begun wearing skirts. "We think they are far more elegant than the traditional shorts and furthermore they are more comfortable because the shorts are made for men," said 21-year-old captain Rinske Temming.

The uniform switch was controversial because Dutch soccer federation rules require shorts, but because the de Rakt women wear their skirts over a pair of small shorts, it ruled the skirts acceptable.

The uniform has yielded worldwide attention, but club chairman Jan van den Elzen insisted it was not a publicity stunt.

"The girls ... asked specifically to play in skirts," Van den Elzen told Reuters. "We've seen reactions from Belgium and Germany already saying this could be something for them."

"It's more about being elegant, not sexy," Temming said.