For this reason there has always been a contingent of schoolchildren through the ages who profess to turn their noses up at organised sport, decrying its importance in comparison to more academic pursuits. 

To a lesser extent, this rather reflects what the schoolwear sector has done with school sportswear. 

While blazers become emblazoned and the merits of traditional school tie versus clip-on are debated, the humble school sportswear has remained in - dare I say it - a bit of a rut.   

Not any more though!

I think over the last year or so the developments in school sportswear - what you and I used to know as PE kit - have been very interesting and have centred on two key shifts.

We have found that performance fabrics are certainly causing a mood change in school sportswear. Schools no longer embrace old fashioned cotton or acrylic rugby shirts and are turning instead to newer more exciting styles.  These are typically made from more lightweight performance materials - the type embraced by professional sportsmen.

For the school pupils this can be inspiring - knowing they are kitted out in gear not dissimilar to that worn by their sporting idols. 

The other growing trend within the maintained sector is the introduction of the house system.  This has always been a trait typically associated with independent schools - largely linked to the prevalence of boarding and living in a 'house'.  

However more schools are adopting the system as a way of engendering team spirit, commonality and healthy competition. Day to day school sportswear is adapting to follow this trend with items often now containing a trim in the house colours which may manifest as tipped or embroidered collared polo shorts for example.

I am a firm believer in the importance of a smart school uniform and the benefits this brings to both the wearer and the school in terms of pride, belonging and social leveling. I see no reason why these feelings should be left on the touchline.

David Burgess is Chairman of The Schoolwear Association, the trade body for the school-specific uniform sector, which represents the interests of everyone from retailers, suppliers, direct-to-school and wholesalers to fabric manufacturers and garment decorators.

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