Anyone that knows me, knows that when it comes to football (men’s), I’m an ardent Italy supporter. In fact, so much so, I can’t care less about the England men’s team. However, watching England women play was truly inspiring and I was blown away by their attitude and performance. It was a delight to watch the final with my three daughters.

In the past, I’ve found England women’s football lacking in pace and – dare I say it – skill. This probably accounts for why (shamefully) I didn’t watch the Lionesses’ early games in this competition. However, I’ve been converted. The lack of flair I’d historically witnessed was almost certainly due to chronic underfunding of girls and women’s’ football across the board; something which creates a vicious circle. I’ve no doubt that the natural ability and commitment has always been there.

The Female Players of the Past

The history of women’s football stretches back further than many would imagine with female clubs established as far back as the 1880s. However, in the absence of a league, all games were played for charity.

On Boxing Day 1920, 53,000 football fans packed into Goodison Park (the same ground that today has has an all-seated capacity of 39,414) to watch a match between Dick, Kerr Ladies and St Helens Ladies. It seems that women’s football was pretty highly regarded during that era.

Crushingly though, the next year the Football Association banned women’s football from its clubs’ grounds deeming it ‘unsuitable for females’. This ban remained for almost 50 years. It was probably the catalyst for the denigration of women’s football.

The Lionesses at Euro 2022 – the Legacy

Alongside the actual win itself, there is even more to celebrate. This was the tournament where women’s football was much more visible and taken far more seriously by the media and pundits/commentators. Ian Wright displayed such passion for the team and demanded change as a lasting legacy of the historic win. He called for an injection of cash at both grassroots and league level and said girls need the same footballing opportunities as boys at school.

“Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?”

Ian Wright

As a mother of girls, that’s music to my ears.

The tournament has paved the way for normalising women’s football and bringing it mainstream. This is reflected in the record-breaking crowd at the final where 87,192 crammed into Wembley. Euro 2022 has already been a catalyst for girls and women wanting to take up the sport. The i reported that grassroots clubs are already snowed with requests to join.

The team has inspired and empowered women and girls. My youngest daughters commented that they’re often made to feel inferior to boys when it comes to football and this has put them off playing. Now they say they’ll feel far more confident to play alongside. All of my daughters were absolutely jubilant at the victory and understood both its sporting and social significance.

Football is for everyone. Let’s hope that after the headlines subside we’ll still remember that.

The post The Lionesses’ Legacy – Football’s Coming of Age appeared first on The Parent Social.

Helping children enjoy and achieve in sports

Like many successful businesses, family-owned Little Big Sports was set up to solve a problem. Katie Malkinson launched it after her son was given a cricket bat he couldn’t lift let alone play with. The award-winning business sells items, which allow children to enjoy sport as well as develop the relevant skills without being hampered by oversized and unsuitable equipment.

A wide range

The online shop offers a host of gear and clothing for team and individual sports and athletics. You will also find table tennis tables, outdoor play apparatus, trampolines and even go karts (amongst many other things).

Little Big Sports boasts a great range of brands and caters for incremental ages and abilities. It stocks loads of specialised items for young sports pros such as age- and size-appropriate footballs, golf clubs and hockey sticks. There are also many items, such as the Mini Tennis Garden Set and the Football goal and rebound net combo, which will appeal to all the family. Also, let’s not forget about something for the long-suffering boot cleaner… Yes, I’m talking about the Boot Buddy!

Giveaway time

Perfect for helping children aged between 18 months and five years learn the skills of riding a bike, the super light, award-winning Strider Balance Bike is comfy and durable. It is also fully adjustable, which means it can grow with your child. Little Big Sports is kindly providing the great prize of a Strider 12″ Sport Balance Bike worth £88 for one lucky reader of The Parent Social to win.

Find out more about Little Big Sports here

* No purchase is necessary to enter. This competition is not sponsored, endorsed by or associated with Facebook or Twitter. Competition is limited to one entry per person.

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The game’s intensity demands that uniforms do more than simply identify players. They must withstand the rigors of the sport while contributing to optimal athletic performance.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential qualities and features that make basketball uniforms not just a team identifier but a tool for boosting on-court efficiency. Let’s explore what makes for the perfect personalized basketball uniform that aligns with your team’s spirit and functional needs.

The Fabric

Choosing the material for the basketball jersey and shorts is the first and most important step in selecting your official basketball apparel.

The basketball jerseys, especially those worn by legendary professional basketball players, have undergone significant changes to meet the demands of the game.

In the early days of basketball, players wore any clothes deemed appropriate to wear and engage in the sport. Long pants, shirts, skirts, and bloomers were some of the basketball attire for men and women.

Some of the early basketball uniforms were made of wool, which absorbs perspiration but could feel uncomfortable. Washing woollen clothes was also a task. Over time, synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester came into wider use and figuratively reshaped the game by making basketball uniforms lighter and thinner.

Polyester remains one of the widely used materials for basketball tops and shorts. It’s a ubiquitous synthetic fabric whose applications range from couture to sportswear. The 2017–2018 NBA basketball uniforms included polyester made from plastic bottles.

Today’s basketball uniforms can be 100% polyester or a combination that has nylon, microfiber, spandex, mesh, and other materials. Most suppliers or makers of uniforms offer these materials for basketball shirts and shorts. It’s a matter of pricing based on the quality of the blend and its features.

If ordering basketball uniforms online, try checking out samples first to see the product quality. Consider the following characteristics when choosing the fabric for your basketball uniforms:

• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Moisture-wicking
• Easy to wash and clean
• Designed for mobility

The uniform must be breathable and absorbent throughout the game, so it feels soft and comfortable on the skin with all the activity. You can also look into a fabric’s climate control feature, if any, which responds to a person’s body heat.

The Size

The uniform’s fit is a significant consideration. It must allow the player to move to the best of their ability and not hinder them from guarding, passing, or shooting the ball. You want your players to be protected, yet you don’t want their movements to be restricted.

Getting the right size for each player supports the uniform’s function. This also prevents issues that arise when sizing goes wrong in basketball uniforms, as follows.

• Too tight uniforms. They’re a problem for athletes because they can lead to poor blood circulation when playing. Sweat also feels icky when it comes into contact with the skin. For reference, you can check this body sweat distribution diagram.

Unless the clothes are made to be fitted or provide compression like socks, tights, and sleeves, best to have uniforms that allow the person to move as freely as possible. The uniform may also be adjusted so that the player can wear a shirt or shorts underneath it.

• Too loose uniforms. These uniforms can hamper movement with the extra “yardage.” There’s also the risk of the looser clothing getting caught on something. Whether it’s for safety or decorum, NBA players are required to tuck in their jerseys during the game or they’ll face a penalty.

Interestingly, basketball shorts are some kind of a personal statement. Players may wear them shorter or longer, baggier or snugger as their sensibilities dictate. The length of the shorts may not be as important as the ability of the player to play the sport in them. They should still be able to run, shoot, dribble, and move unhampered wearing their preferred style of basketball shorts.

Photo by Nick Rush from Pexels

The Accessories

While not exactly part of the standard basketball uniform, headbands, wristbands, and sleeves are pretty much commonly worn by players on and off the court. These accessories are not only pleasing to the eye, but they can also boost the player’s performance.

For instance, wristbands prevent sweat from getting into one’s hand. The headband also keeps sweat out of the player’s eyes. The most high-profile basketball accessories are compression sleeves that aim to promote blood circulation and muscle recovery. If you have the most popular players wearing those accessories on the court, you can expect the rest of the basketball community to follow. 

Schools or basketball leagues usually have rules regarding basketball apparel that cover additional gear. This set of rules shows the accessories that are allowed to be worn on the court and their specifications.

Wearing jewelry like gold chains is highly discouraged if not banned in basketball or any sport because it can cause injury to the wearer or others.

The Essence of Basketball Uniform Selection

Player feedback is crucial in choosing basketball uniforms, as they understand firsthand what works best. Durability and comfort are essential. Ensure the uniforms stand up to regular play and address any player concerns for future improvements.

Aesthetics also matter. A visually appealing uniform can boost team morale and enhance the team’s public image. Consider incorporating advanced fabric technologies for added comfort and performance. The choice of colors and design should reflect the team’s identity, while the functionality ensures players can move freely and perform at their best.

Uniforms play a supportive role in a team’s performance. Quality, well-fitting gear helps keep players focused and comfortable. Balance your budget with the need for high-quality materials, proper sizing, and some room for personal preferences within game rules. The right uniform is more than just clothing; it’s a part of your team’s winning strategy.

The post The Right Fit: What to Look For in Basketball Uniforms to Boost Performance appeared first on The Parent Social.