OUR WHY
OUR WHY
“”
Now it’s time for us to say: let’s change the uniform policies. If not now, when? If not us, who? The time is now.
Tess Howard, ISW Founder & Director
Sportswear policy continues to be a significant barrier to participation, enjoyment and performance in sport and physical activity.
Too often sports and physical activity uniforms
over-sexualise and underserve women and girls
apply historical gender stereotypes
fail to support gender and sex diversity
inadequately respect religious or ethnic preferences
inadequately support the needs of disabled and neuro-diverse people
fail to cater for all socio-economic backgrounds
discount the importance of individual choice
fail to support body confidence
Research proves sports kit and body image concerns are the most underrated causes of drop-outs in sport and physical activity.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND SCHOOLS
School uniform is non-statutory, meaning there are no government requirements for school sports kit to be inclusive.
UK Government 2019 School Sport and Activity Action Plan states, “Shockingly, the gender gap starts at five years old”, citing girls “report negative experiences of sport at a young age”.
However, the Action Plan it fails to adequately describe the tangible barriers facing marginalised groups and female students in school sport.
The 24-page document fails to mention school sport clothing or student’s changing bodies even once.
We need a new approach to sports kit policy that enables participation, enjoyment and performance.
“”
70 percent of women have seen girls drop-out of sports specifically because of sports kit and body image concerns.
Tess Howard, 2023
SPORTS KIT IN THE NEWS
GET IN TOUCH
Contact our Director, Tess Howard inclusivesportswear@gmail.com
© Copyright 2023 Inclusive Sportswear CIC