CUMBERLAND wrestlers are to be allowed to wear more modern kit in an attempt to stop the sport dying out.
Youngsters have been too embarrassed by the traditional outfits to try their hand at the sport so it has been decided to update the image.
Wrestlers can now swap the traditional white stockings, vest and embroidered velvet trunks for football shirts and tracksuits.
The Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association has decided to deregulate the dress code for championship events.
Roger Robson, CWWA president, said: “I remember a story a while back of a young lad who won a championship at his first attempt but was teased at school for wearing the traditional kit and he never wrestled again.
“A lot of people are strongly in favour of retaining the traditional strip, including me, but I am also a realist and I want to see a vigorous sport maintained for the future.”
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