Amid reports of body image remaining amongst the most prohibitive barrier to girls engaging in sport, one Netball Superleague (NSL) side debuted a new-look kit at the Soft & Gentle Super Cup
A recent Youth Sport Trust Girls Active survey found girls are still over three times more likely than boys to not feel confident when taking part in physical activity, largely influenced by their kit options.
To combat this trend, London Mavericks debuted their choice kit – a legging and vest-top option – at the tournament and are leading the way in their promotion of inclusive clothing as a means of keeping girls in sport.
Mavericks shooter George Inger said: “Times have changed, haven’t they?”
Joining the Inclusive Sportswear Charter, they now offer their athletes the option of choosing between the traditional dress, or leggings, shorts and vest tops.
Every athlete from U15s academy level to NSL athletes has this option during training and matches.
They are currently the only Super League side to offer this during games.
Inger said: “I think it is really important. I work at schools and I never care what my kids turn up in, as long as it’s safe in class.”
“Whether it’s their skort or track pants or whatever, I just hope it keeps more people playing at school.”
The Inclusive Sportswear Charter is an initiative headed up by 27-year-old Olympian Tess Howard, who has been lobbying parliament to change education policy to allow girls to have more choice in what they wear during sport inside school.
In recent years, GB Hockey have permitted their women’s side to wear shorts, while Wimbledon changed their all-white dress policy to allow for dark undershorts.
However, these changes failed to trickle down to school level until Tess Howard’s calls were finally answered in November after years of campaigning.
On 7 November, the government issued an updated school uniform guidance, including that schools should “offer girls a choice” and “promoting the importance of girls wearing sports bras when taking part in sport and PE”.
Mavericks finished third in their group at the Soft & Gentle Super Cup, level on points with NIC Leeds Rhinos, and missed out on a semi-final spot by a goal-difference of just two.
Mavs coach Tamsin Greenway said: “It didn’t take anything away from our performances today and I don’t think it showed anything that wasn’t uniform.
“We’re still London Mavericks, regardless of what they feel the best in.”
The Youth Sport Trust’s survey found that while 74% of school age girls enjoy taking part in physical activity, 25% find the way they look a barrier to being active inside school.
The research received data from 17,971 young people across a total of 137 schools in England from school Years 7 to 13.
Greenway said: “I know the dress is iconic for lots of people, and it’s great but as a 12-year-old kid, I wouldn’t have wanted to play.
“I was a proper tomboy. I wore shorts, t-shirt, loved my football team – who all wore shorts and t-shirts – and I wouldn’t have enjoyed that.”
Inger, who is back on court after a torrid few seasons marred by a persistent knee injury which forced the 27-year-old to have to learn to walk again, said: “I love my choice kit, I actually wear it all the time.
“I’ve kind of sacked my dress off a wee bit. It’s actually a bit uncomfortable at times and for me, I’m covered in tape under here so it’s quite nice to feel comfortable when I’m out there. I’m more focused.”
Mavs midcourter Suzie Liverseidge added: “It felt great, everyone being able to wear what they’re comfortable in.
“Personally, I did a bit of both, which was nice to put something different on.”
Sixth-placed Mavs travel to eighth-placed Birmingham Panthers in Round Three of the Netball Super League this Saturday.
Feature image: London Mavericks
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