A staggering 64% of girls abandon sports by the age of 16, prompting an uncomfortable question: is it surprising that young girls are opting out when they're expected to wear ill-fitting kits that don't make them feel comfortable? For female athletes, the issue goes beyond aesthetics, as ill-fitting kits can exacerbate insecurities, fuel anxiety, and even trigger online abuse. However, change is finally underway, with athletes' voices being heard and manufacturers and governing bodies introducing inclusive kit choices, challenging traditional norms, and hoping to reverse the troubling drop-off in female participation in sports. England Netball international Razia Quashie has witnessed the impact of these changes firsthand, with her team, London Mavericks, becoming the first Super League team to offer a range of kits, providing players with choices beyond the traditional netball dress.
This move has been transformative for Quashie, who no longer has to wear a dress when she doesn't feel comfortable. The introduction of leggings, varied-length shorts, skorts, and longer vests as options for players to wear in both training and competition has been a game-changer.
Quashie, who has won 29 caps for England, believes that comfortability is key, especially for bigger girls like herself. She recalls seasons where ill-fitting dresses left her exposed and vulnerable to online criticism. Quashie's teammate, Izzi Phillips, agrees, stating that the goal is to keep girls in sports for as long as possible and remove anxieties that come with wearing ill-fitting kits. The issue of ill-fitting kits is not unique to netball; it's a problem that affects female athletes across various sports.
However, with the introduction of inclusive kit choices, female athletes can focus on their performance rather than their appearance. As Nat Panagarry, captain of Loughborough Lightning, succinctly puts it, 'In netball, there are so many different body shapes, and it's essential that people can wear what makes them feel comfortable and confident.' The move towards inclusive kit choices is not limited to netball; other sports, such as football, hockey, and rugby, are also embracing change. England international Sadia Kabeya has developed a satin-lined scrum cap to protect hair on the playing field, providing a solution for female athletes with curly hair.
The introduction of female-specific football boots, adjustable sports bras, and shorts replacing skorts in hockey are all examples of the progress being made. With over 120,000 affiliated members and 1.3 million people playing netball in England, the sport is leading the way in promoting inclusivity and comfort for female athletes. As Kabeya explains, 'When I have that scrum cap on, I'm completely focused; I don't have to worry about little things that might be in my head.' The future of women's sports looks promising, with a new era of inclusive kit choices emerging, and female athletes finally being heard and empowered to make a change.