Extra curricular club uniform

[Whoatealltheminieggs]

So dd started an extra curricular club. I waited a few months before I bought her the uniform incase she didn’t get into it. I messaged one of the organisers in Jan and asked if I could order some of the uniform. Not every element as it was still early days. Two items came to around £100. I purposely sized up a bit as she’ll only be wearing it a couple of times a week so was hoping to not have to buy again for a good while! The organiser said they weren’t making any more orders for uniform but she’d process it in March. We received the uniform in May. Two weeks ago I saw a ‘breaking news’ type post on the FB page that they are going for a new style of uniform and from September uniform style I bought will no longer be acceptable. Aibu to be annoyed about this? Why didn’t the organiser tell me that they were introducing a new uniform instead of letting me order the old one? I thought probably a lot of the parents would ignore it for a while but have already seen tons of kids in the new styles and dd has already mentioned it.

What kind of club is it where two items of clothing are £100. I would have a chat to the organisers and say that you have only just bought the old style uniform and can't afford to buy the new one. I would be really annoyed about this.

At the moment I’m just playing dumb and hoping nobody says anything to dd directly. We live in an affluent area ( we’re not though) and I can tell from all the positive ‘how exciting’ comments and ‘how can I order?’ a lot won’t have an issue

If they are saying the old uniform will no longer be acceptable from September playing dumb will not go in your favour.

Speak to them and ask for September to be extended. Talk about being inclusive, cost of living rises, environmental impact of throwing clothes away etc.

It is likely the club does it for fund raising (or profit).

I'd be annoyed too. At my DS' primary school, they changed the uniform but you could wear the old one indefinitely. So many siblings passing down clothes, it took around 8 years before everyone was in matching kit

And £100 for 2 items is extortionate

A lot of it is personalised I think to avoid the handing down of items

Even in affluent areas people won't be happy and I bet it's only a couple saying how exciting it is.

Tell them it's unacceptable and you won't be buying uniform again and it isn't up for discussion. Even schools have to have a "consultation" period, which gives you a bit of time to wear out the old uniform.

Is take this as a sign of things to come. Perhaps cut your losses and find another club that obviously doesn't rip parents off. I can pretty much guarantee that they are getting kick backs.

If you're daughter is not too invested then look around.

I think you have to be firm and blunt on this, and do it now. Let the school know, perhaps a letter to the Governors and the Head.

It may be an affluent area, but with energy costs about to increase, many more people will want to save money anywhere they can.

Affluent or not, £100 is a lot. DS is at an independent school and I ordered four items that came to about the same amount. The rest of his uniform is second-hand.
Our uniform changes every so often and they introduce new items. However, lots of the kids wear used uniform from years ago and nobody is bothered. I'd talk to the club because that's really not OK. They should at least be able to wear the old uniform until they've grown out of it.

Sorry I’ve worded my post wrong. It’s not a school club it’s a private club.

They should be encouraging people to pass on old kit. Suggest you ask around. You may find other people share your concerns. And focus on environment, as well as cost

Yes I saw it's a club, not school.unifiem, but same principle

Speak up publicly and don't feel ashamed. I certain there will be lots like you who feel they are the only ones. Say you have only just bought her uniform in may and will be be buying a new set so soon.

I'd take it as a sign of things to come and move on unless DD was very talented at whatever it is or really loves it and it's the only option. We had similar scenarios at various places DD has been a member of and the only regret I have is of not moving her on sooner as their demands increased.

DD went to a performing arts after school place like this starting at 18 months - 8 years. When the school first started the only compulsory items were a t-shirt and the correct shoes for the class you were taking. Then it changed to one type of leotard which was used for all dance classes, fair enough. As the school became more successful it soon became that every class had to wear different things, different colour hair bows, different colour and type of leotard for different classes and ages, different tracksuits for everyday and another for competing, another set of clothes for exams and shows etc. Things were forever being lost as they had to get changed in the toilets / changing room. The entire culture of the group was stressful for parents and children but you feel like you've invested so continue, fortunately DD decided it wasn't for her anymore so we left.

DD left there and started competitive swimming, team tracksuits were available if you wanted but the only compulsory item of clothing was a t-shirt and they all had to have swim hats, fins, pull buoys etc but they lasted years.

DD left there and started at girls rugby, the only compulsory items are for safety, rugby boots and gum shields, the club encourages the use of hand me downs and has a 2nd hand shop with all proceeds going to the club. Playing tshirts are free (paid for by sponsors) you get your top at the beginning g of the season and keep it handing it back at the end. Training gear, socks, tops, tracksuits etc are all available but totally optional. Of all DDs extra curricular this is the least stressful to be a part of its an incredibly well run club with an adult, youths and mini section and all the staff/volunteers are laid back and seem in it for the sport more than anything else.

DD also does a recreational tennis group and all she needs is a racquet.

Really think about the group and the organiser and look at the parents at participants that have been there longer, are they happy? It may have been poor communication and the person that ordered your equipment didn't know that the uniform was changing. Or is it one thing after another? Often the people in the 'inner circle' are happy as it gets their child picked for the best position etc but those in the periphery aren't.