Queensland Firebirds to don ‘inclusive uniforms’ at pre-season competition

Netball Australia is ushering in a new era of inclusivity with a huge shift to save the country’s leading women’s sport.

In a first for the Suncorp Super Netball competition, the Queensland Firebirds will wear their own choice of uniform as Australia’s leading women’s sport ushers in a new era of inclusivity.

The Firebirds announced their players will wear a range of inclusive netball uniforms on court during the three day Suncorp Team Girls Cup on the Gold Coast, starting Friday, February 24.

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As well as their classic purple dress, players can choose to wear a variety of options including skorts and singlets, shorts, long or short-sleeved T-shirts, long pants, or leggings.

It comes after Netball Queensland adopted its Inclusive Uniform Policy off the back of Netball Australia’s new guidelines around playing kits – which came into effect on January 1.

Queensland Firebirds stars Gabi Simpson, Kim Ravaillion, and Ruby Bakewell-Doran in the club's new 'inclusive' uniforms ahead of the 2023 Team Girls Cup. Picture: Supplied.

The more inclusive policy was changed to recognise individual preferences, religious beliefs, and climate, and in a bid to get more people playing the sport.

Netball Queensland general manager Glenn Dennis said the Firebirds’ “brave decision” will raise awareness of the uniform options available to netball players at all levels.

“To have Firebirds players wear an inclusive uniform at the highest levels of the sport signals to our community that everyone is welcome in netball and that inclusive uniforms are a viable option for all clubs from the grassroots to elite,” he said in a statement.

“A more inclusive sport means a healthier and more vibrant sport and I am confident that the introduction of Netball Queensland’s Inclusive Uniform Policy will help to ensure that potential stars of the future won’t be lost to netball because the uniform options are too restrictive.”

A 2021 national study by Victoria University found 58 per cent of girls do not want to wear skirts while playing sport outside of school, and 65 per cent do not want to wear skirts during school sport.

Firebirds mid-court Gabi Simpson will wear a shirt and skort instead of the traditional dress for the Team Girls Cup.

Meanwhile, an overwhelming majority (more than 8 in 10) said they would prefer to wear shorts and T-shirts both during and outside of school sports.

The policy change also follows a recommendation from the 2020 State of the Game Review that called for netball to deliver a “more flexible” product, including “allowing participants to choose uniforms that cater for different comfort, modesty, cost, and cultural sensitivities”.

The Firebirds’ range has been developed by Suncorp Super Netball official apparel provider Valour Sport, whose ONE TEAM range had already been adopted by Netball NSW in October 2021.

Valour Sports director Matthew Knight said the range of uniforms celebrates the diversity of gender, race, ability, body shape and size, and identity while still adhering to competition regulations.

“Valour’s ONE TEAM range allows individuals to express their true selves without fear of discrimination or judgment while maintaining an appearance of unity as a team,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Valour also confirmed to news.com.au that another Valour Premier netball team will be wearing an inclusive uniform at the Team Girls Cup. It did not reveal further details at this time.

The Firebirds’ leadership group Mia Stower, Lara Dunkley, Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson will lead the team in 2023. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

“It is exciting to see teams competing in a uniform that promotes inclusivity and allows young athletes to feel comfortable and respected,” a Valour spokesperson said, adding it was “encouraging” the Firebirds were taking the leap.

“It is important for sports to create an environment that is welcoming and accessible to everyone, and this (uniform) initiative is a step in the right direction.

“It will be great to see other teams and clubs follow suit and adopt similar policies to promote inclusivity in their respective sports.”

The Firebirds begin their Suncorp Team Girls Cup campaign against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Friday, February 24 at 7pm (AEST).