Were an inclusive football club and part of that means offering free sanitary products in our toilets
Gauthier GanayeBarnsley FC Chief Executive' Wednesday 22 Aug 2018 1:29 pm
First of all, we are a community club and always strive to do right by our fans. We want our fan base to know that Barnsley Football Club is open to all.
Our supporters continue to show their passion and loyalty to their club week in, week out and if we can help them in any way, we will.
We decided to offer free sanitary items in our ladies toilets after spotting the work done by campaign group On The Ball. Their opinion is that sanitary products should be accessible to all female supporters for no charge and we agree.
When you consider that toilet roll and other hygiene essentials arent something you are required to pay for in public toilets, you then raise the question as to why a lady should have to pay for sanitary products.
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Period poverty is real in Britain.
Results from a 2017 study indicate that at some point in their life, one in 10 teenage girls have been unable to afford sanitary products, while one in seven has had to borrow products from someone.
It has also been well documented over recent months that school girls are missing vital time in class, because they are unable to afford menstrual products.
And we want to help highlight that.
On The Balls work to tackle this taboo subject in a sporting environment is admirable and were delighted to be one of the first football clubs on board.
The traditional view of a football fan is no longer relevant. We now embrace the different demographics that attend Oakwell on a regular basis and aim to give them a quality experience – and three points, we hope!
If the decision to offer these products helps just one fan all season, then the campaign has been an undoubted success.
More: Life
Were pleased that our decision has picked up such coverage and has shown that Barnsley is a forward thinking, inclusive club.
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We hope to have inspired other clubs in the EFL and wider communities to take note of On The Ball too, and follow their campaign in offering similar products for their female fans.
Again, I must reiterate the fact that we care. As a football club, we are in a position to influence people within our community for the better.
Whether it be through personal correspondence, raising the awareness of a local charity or through the fantastic outreach work our Reds in the Community team do, we want to give back to the fans who have given the club so much throughout their years of support.
To see more of what the On The Ball team do to tackle period poverty, follow them on Twitter – @OnTheBaw
MORE: Bodyform is donating 200,000 packs of sanitary protection to help fight period poverty
MORE: This girls open letter to Theresa May about period poverty is incredible
MORE: 4 ways you can help end period poverty among women in the UK
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