When Katie’s 9-year-old daughter asked her to write a note, excusing her from participating in a physical education class because the sports uniform made her feel uncomfortable, it highlighted a common and significant problem.
“I realised that if my daughter didn’t want to wear the tiny sports skirts, nor the boys’ basketball shorts that were offered by her school as the sports uniform, then there must be thousands of girls who also don't want to wear them.”
So, Katie took matters into her own hands.
“I was on a mission to make a change,” she tells Mamamia.
“I had already done loads of research into the lack of school sports leggings in school colours and believe it or not, they didn't exist. So School Active Sports was born.”
Using Katie's extensive skill set and expertise — designing and manufacturing ladies activewear for the US market — she began designing activewear for kids.
“The majority of primary and high schools in Australia only offer tiny skirts or boys' basketball shorts as sports uniform options,” she explains.
And she believes this is a real issue.
“Most kids start their sporting lives at school and unfortunately most girls finish their sporting lives at school. Usually, it is because of the old-fashioned uniforms they are required to wear in order to participate.”
According to a recent study by the Australian Sports Commission by the ages of 13-17, 57 per cent of girls are already disengaged with sports.
“Every female, from your grandma to your daughter, has a story of why they quit sports. More often than not, it is because of the uncomfortable uniforms they were required to wear,” Katie says.
“Why is it such a problem to offer another option to girls, that are designed for girls, to make them feel comfortable, safe and confident?
“Imagine being able to keep more of our girls in sports by just offering them more contemporary and age-appropriate options as sports uniforms for school. Imagine if we can make all girls feel strong, empowered and included!”
So, that’s exactly what Katie did.
Her School Active Sport range offers activewear leggings in school colours as well as other trending shades, including pinks, blues, teals, purple, red, as well as neon orange and pink that can be mixed and matched. They are also super versatile and can be worn on the weekends, after school hours – casually, or for playing sports.
The range also includes bike shorts, hoodies and crop tops for comfortable support under sportswear and school sports uniforms.
“Our hoodies are oversized made of a super soft comfy cotton rich fabric that is also quick to dry. They also have thumb loops that the kids love.
“Our crop tops styles are made from the same technical high-performance fabrics as the legging styles. They are lined and have a wide band that won’t move whilst you move.”
While the School Active Sports range are stylishly designed, they are also made with comfort, usability and of course performance, in mind.
“I have used high-quality performance fabrics that are moisture wicked, tested and manufactured to the same high standards as large international sporting brands. Our leggings are high waisted, have two pockets and have no inside leg seams to prevent chaffing,” Katie says.
They also have technical four-way stretch fabric that dries quickly and holds their shape.
Importantly, Katie says that her range is free of any sexualized elements, often included in ladies activewear.
This decision is something Katie says is partly based on her own experience.
“I can guarantee you that any woman you come across can tell you the moment they wanted to drop sports because of the uniforms they were required to wear. I was ten when I decided I didn't want to play netball anymore in the tiny pleated skirts and scungies underneath. I was worried my friend’s big brother could see up my skirt when I jumped to catch the ball,” she says.
By providing an alternative to the traditional skirts and dresses, scrungies and bloomers, Katie believes that girls will remain confident and less self-conscious, even as they go through puberty when these feelings are exacerbated.
“Going through puberty was difficult for me as I was aware of my body changing and boys were watching. If I had some long leggings, three-quarter leggings, or shorts to wear under my netball skirt I would have had the confidence to go harder, play faster and keep at bay my self-consciousness.”
While the hero of the brand is their dedication to girls playing sports, they are also committed to ethical and sustainable retail practice.
“We are always researching and sourcing new recycled sustainable fabrics. I have worked in the fashion industry for the last 25 years utilising manufacturers all over the world. I only ever use manufacturers that are ethical with their workers and practices. I have really strong relationships with my factories and suppliers. We have good processes and testing in place. We also have a long-term growth and sustainability strategy,” she says.
A percentage of School Active Sports garments are consciously made, including their running shorts which are made from recycled plastic bottles.
They are also a dedicated member of the sporting clubs and teams that they supply uniforms for – printing team or school logos on garments and providing 20 per cent cash back to the club, team or school so they can use it as fundraising.
With Katie’s main mission to have every girl feeling “strong, empowered and included in sports”, there is no doubt that School Active Sports, from their active wear range, through to their community minded ethos, is doing all it can to achieve this.
School Active Sports believes in designing comfortable and practical activewear that empowers young girls to love and enjoy sport. Shop the collection now.
Feature Image: Instagram/@schoolactivesports