A young athlete from Sheffield is pushing for free sports bras in secondary schools to help more girls join sports without money worries. Rosie Halsall, 18, a former Team GB roller derby skater, started this campaign after seeing how high prices stop many from staying active.
Campaign Sparks Debate on Barriers
Rosie Halsall shared her story of buying used sports bras because new ones were too pricey. She competed for years but saw friends quit due to costs. Now, she wants schools to offer free fittings and bras to keep girls in physical education classes.
Her idea won a contest from a youth think tank called Politika in October 2025. The group praised her for spotting a real issue based on personal experience. Since then, a company that does school fittings reached out to help make it happen.
Experts say this fits a bigger problem. Studies show girls drop out of sports during teen years, with equipment costs playing a big role. In 2025, surveys found that over 40 percent of female students skip activities due to discomfort from poor support.
High Prices and Health Risks
Sports bras can cost between 30 and 80 pounds, which adds up for families. Rosie pointed out that her mouth guard was cheaper than a good bra, yet both are key for safety. Without proper fit, girls face pain and injury risks.
Coaches at Sleaford Town Juniors in Lincolnshire back her push. They teach players about how bad bras cause imbalances while running. This can lead to long term back or shoulder problems.
A recent report from a nonprofit group highlighted that ill fitting gear hurts female athletes more than males. It noted equipment often designed for men fails to meet women’s needs, leading to higher dropout rates.
Here is a quick look at average sports bra costs in 2025:
| Brand Type | Average Price (Pounds) | Support Level |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 20-30 | Low |
| Mid-range | 30-50 | Medium |
| High-end | 50-80 | High |
This table shows why cost becomes a wall for many.
Broader Impact on Female Participation
Girls’ sports involvement has grown, but barriers remain. In the UK, female participation in team sports rose by 15 percent since 2020, yet costs hold back progress. Campaigns like Rosie’s aim to fix that.
Organizations such as The Sports Bra Project donate bras to those in need worldwide. They focus on removing basic equipment hurdles for women and girls.
Athletes like England footballer Chloe Kelly have shown the spotlight on this issue. During the 2022 Euro final, her goal celebration highlighted sports bras in public view, sparking talks on their importance.
Rosie believes free access in schools could boost long term health. Regular activity cuts risks of heart disease and improves mental well being, according to health experts.
Global Efforts and Innovations
Around the world, similar pushes are happening. In the US, a nonprofit launched a program in 2025 to give free sports bras to teen girls, tackling a drop in activity rates.
Companies are redesigning bras for better fit and lower costs. One engineer started a firm to create affordable options that build body confidence.
Key benefits of proper sports bras include:
- Reduced breast pain during exercise
- Better posture and less injury risk
- Increased confidence to join sports
These points show why access matters.
In Australia, a 2022 campaign provided bras to remote communities, helping more women play football.
Looking Ahead to Change
Rosie’s campaign has support from clubs and educators. They see it as a step to make sports fair for all genders.
With rising awareness, schools might add this to their budgets soon. It could inspire policies in other countries facing the same issue.
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