This Is What UK Girls Say Puts Them Off Sport At School

Girls are dropping out of sport. This is one of the main barriers.By now we all know how exercise is hugely important for our physical and mental wellbeing – it’s been linked to a lower risk of developing lots of nasty health conditions in later life (think heart disease, stroke and cancer), and can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy.Yet too many girls are dropping out of sport at school. According to research by ASICS, 64% of UK girls will drop out of sport before they turn 16, which will not only impact their physical and mental wellbeing today, but also in the long-run.The biggest barrier appears to be what they wear, with 70% of the 14- to 16-year-old girls surveyed saying they would be more likely to participate in school PE lessons if their kit was more comfortable.Almost three-quarters said this factor would mean they’d enjoy PE more, too.The key reasons cited by girls for feeling uncomfortable in their current PE kit are: ‘lack of choice’, ‘uncomfortable fabrics’, ‘shapeless design’, ‘suitability for different weather conditions’, ‘period concerns’ and ‘sweat absorption and visibility’.Nearly two-thirds (63%) believe it’s time for a PE kit makeover to make it more comfortable.Katie Piper, activist and TV personality, said: “As a mum to two daughters, I know the impact PE kits can have on young girls’ willingness to take part in sport. I remember experiencing this first-hand myself at school – feeling uncomfortable in my kit and worrying more about how it looks than enjoying the activity.”She is lending her support to a new Undropped Kit initiative – a reimagined PE kit concept based on what girls actually want to wear to feel more comfortable.The Undropped Kit“It’s about more than just clothing – it’s about helping girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to stay active,” said Piper.“I urge parents and schools to get involved and help create a more inclusive environment for our daughters.”ASICS, together with Inclusive Sportswear and mental health charity Mind, conducted extensive research with teenage girls to reimagine the school PE kit, which has been designed to suit different body shapes, weather conditions and personal styles.It’s already been tested by secondary school girls at Burnley High School – who gave it the thumbs up.Tess Howard, founder of Inclusive Sportswear and international hockey player for Team GB, said: “A PE kit is the most underrated reason girls drop out of PE, but the good news is we can fix it – and fast.She added: “By listening to girls and evolving kit to support their needs, we can lift this barrier.”Hayley Jarvis, from the mental health charity Mind, noted that physical activity is a “powerful protective factor” for young people’s mental health.“It’s deeply concerning to see so many teenage girls dropping out of PE in such big numbers,” she said.“While the reasons are complex, simple changes like adapting PE kit could help girls feel more comfortable to stay active, giving them a lifelong tool to support their mental health.”Clothes aren’t the only reason putting girls off sport. Previous research from Women in Sport found more than one million teenage girls (43%) who once considered themselves ‘sporty’, disengage from sport following primary school.A fear of feeling judged by others (68%), lack of confidence (61%), pressures of schoolwork (47%) and not feeling safe outside (43%) were some of the reasons given.Related...Honestly, Why On Earth Aren't Sports Bras Part Of All Teen Girls' PE Kits?!Urgent Health Warning Issued Ahead Of Kids' Return To SchoolDear Parents, This Is What Teachers Need You To Know Ahead Of Back To School Week

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