All orders are custom made, and then shipped to NZ. CLICK HERE to see our current shipping dates.
All orders are custom made, and then shipped to NZ. CLICK HERE to see our current shipping dates.
Every school wants students to feel confident, included and ready to participate in PE and sport.
But for many girls, the teenage years can bring new challenges. Changes in confidence, body image, comfort and feeling self-conscious can all influence how they engage with physical activity.
Research from Sport New Zealand highlights that young women experience unique barriers to participating in sport and recreation, including confidence, fear of judgement and concerns around feeling comfortable in active environments. Sport NZ’s It’s My Move initiative was created to help address the gender participation gap and support more young women to stay active.
While there is no single reason why girls disengage from sport, schools and clubs are increasingly looking at practical ways they can create environments where more students feel comfortable taking part.
One simple change is providing more choice in PE and sports apparel.
For many students, feeling comfortable in their uniform can influence how confident they feel participating.
Australian research exploring girls’ experiences with sports uniforms found that uniform design and choice can play an important role in helping girls feel comfortable and confident when participating in sport. The research identified that girls value uniforms that fit well, are designed appropriately for their bodies and provide options that allow them to feel confident while being active.
The Australian Sports Commission also recognises that sports uniforms can be an important factor influencing girls’ participation, particularly when clothing feels uncomfortable physically, psychologically or culturally.
This does not mean a uniform alone determines whether a student participates.
But it does highlight an important question:
Are we giving every student the opportunity to feel comfortable and confident enough to take part?
Every student is different.
Some students prefer shorts. Others feel more comfortable in tights or bike shorts. Some prefer additional coverage during certain activities, seasons or stages of life.
Providing options does not mean changing your school’s identity.
It means recognising that today’s students have different needs and preferences.
A more flexible PE uniform approach can help schools create an environment where students feel supported while still maintaining consistency and school pride.
There is another important consideration for schools and clubs: equity.
Many students already purchase additional activewear outside of their official PE uniform because they prefer a particular style or fit.
This can create differences between students:
A school-approved apparel option helps provide a consistent solution.
By offering garments such as tights, 7/8 tights and bike shorts as part of the school’s PE programme, every student has access to a quality option that reflects the school’s identity.
Keeping girls engaged in sport requires more than one solution.
It requires supportive environments, positive experiences, great coaching, confidence-building opportunities and understanding the needs of today’s students.
Sometimes meaningful change comes from small decisions.
A more comfortable uniform.
A greater choice of options.
A student feeling confident enough to join in.
Because when girls feel comfortable, included and supported, they are more likely to enjoy being active.
And that is something every school and club wants to achieve.
Kooga works with schools and clubs across New Zealand to create custom apparel solutions that support participation, identity and inclusion.
Talk to our team today about your PE uniform options.
Resources:
Sport New Zealand – It’s My Move: Supporting young women to participate in sport and recreation
https://sportnz.org.nz/itsmymove/overview-its-my-move/
Sport and Recreation Victoria – Uniforms that encourage girls to play sport and be active
https://sport.vic.gov.au/resources/uniforms-that-encourage-girls-to-play-sport-and-be-active
Victoria University – What Girls Want in Sport Uniforms to Make Them Feel Comfortable and Confident to Participate in Sport
https://vuir.vu.edu.au/46178/
Australian Sports Commission – Women and Girls in Sport: Uniforms
https://www.ausport.gov.au/clearinghouse/evidence/women-in-sport/factors/uniforms
Could Your PE Uniform Be Holding Some Girls Back?
https://www.ausport.gov.au/clearinghouse/evidence/women-in-sport/factors/uniforms
What is It’s My Move? | Sport New Zealand – Ihi Aotearoa
https://sportnz.org.nz/itsmymove/overview-its-my-move
Uniforms | Clearinghouse | ASC
https://www.ausport.gov.au/clearinghouse/evidence/women-in-sport/factors/uniforms
