A significant proportion of young girls, nearly two-thirds, abandon sports by the age of 16, prompting an uncomfortable question: Is it surprising that girls are opting out when they are often expected to wear ill-fitting kits that fail to make them feel comfortable? For female athletes, the issue goes beyond aesthetics, as poorly fitting kits can exacerbate insecurities, fuel anxiety, and even trigger online abuse. However, change is underway.
Athletes' voices are being heard, and manufacturers and governing bodies are adapting to the times. Inclusive kit choices are being introduced, challenging traditional norms, with the hope of reversing the troubling drop-off in female participation in sports.
England Netball international Razia Quashie has witnessed the impact of these changes firsthand, noting the introduction of a range of kits by London Mavericks, offering players choices beyond the traditional netball dress. This shift has been transformative for Quashie, who can now choose to wear leggings, varied-length shorts, skorts, and longer vests, allowing her to feel more comfortable and confident.
The issue of ill-fitting kits affects not only Quashie but also many other female athletes, who face online criticism and body shaming. Quashie's teammate, Izzi Phillips, emphasizes the importance of removing anxieties related to kit choices, allowing girls to focus on their passion for the sport rather than their appearance.
Other teams, such as Loughborough Lightning, have also introduced greater kit choices, with players welcoming the move. The captain, Nat Panagarry, highlights the diversity of body shapes in netball, stressing the need for comfortable and suitable kits.
England Netball's 'I Wish I Knew' campaign has also been launched to tackle the female health knowledge gap, providing education and empowerment for girls to ask questions about their health. As the sport continues to lead the way in promoting inclusivity and comfort, other sports, such as football, hockey, and rugby union, are also adopting similar approaches, with innovations like female-specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and shorts replacing skorts. In rugby union, England international Sadia Kabeya has developed a satin-lined scrum cap to protect hair on the playing field, combining her passion for the sport with her desire to promote hair care and protection. The introduction of inclusive kit choices and innovative products is paving the way for a more comfortable and confident sporting experience for girls and women, ultimately aiming to keep them engaged in sports for longer.