BARNSLEY FC is solidifying its reputation as one of the most forward-thinking clubs in the Football League with its latest initiative, which offers free sanitary products for female fans on matchdays.
Products were made available in Oakwell’s female toilets for last Saturday’s match as part of the On The Ball campaign, which aims to get more football clubs to recognise the issue of period poverty, and increase the visibility of female fans.
Barnsley is one of the first clubs to join the campaign.
Chief executive Gauthier Ganaye said: “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. “As a football club, we are in a position to influence people within our community for the better.
“Period poverty is real in Britain. Results from a 2017 study (Plan International UK) indicate at some point in their life, one in ten teenage girls have been unable to afford sanitary products, whilst one in seven has had to borrow products from someone.
“When you consider that toilet roll and other hygiene essentials aren’t something you are required to pay for in public toilets, you then raise the question as to why should a lady have to pay for sanitary products?
“On The Ball’s work to tackle this taboo subject in a sporting environment is admirable and we’re delighted to be one of the first football clubs on board.
“If the decision to offer these products aids just one fan all season, then the campaign has been an undoubted success.”
On The Ball was set up this summer by three female football fans from Scotland, and Barnsley joins Celtic, Tranmere Rovers and Queen of the South in its support of the campaign.
