What do footballers do during their periods and how can clubs do more to help?

As women’s football continues to grow in popularity following the success of England’s Lionesses at this year’s European Championships, football clubs at all levels are working to ensure that players who menstruate are supported.

West Bromwich Albion’s Women’s team hit the headlines in September after changing their kit. The club made the move to navy from the traditional white shorts associated with the Baggies because women in sports highlighted discomfort at wearing white while on a period.

“In the summer I gave the players the opportunity to discuss whether they’d prefer to wear white or navy,” explains Head Coach, Jenny Sugarman. “The players agreed they wanted to wear the navy, but only with the full support of the club.”

Sugarman spoke with the club’s Director of Media and Communications who was fully supportive of the change and took the matter straight to the top. West Brom’s CEO Ron Gourley and MD Mark Miles were also in agreement and the following week the club were discussing the redesign of next season’s kit.

“This was part of the consultation and will continue to be every year moving forward,” says Sugarman. “It’s a small change logistically, but football is steeped in tradition and one of the biggest traditions is club colours. The players were clear that they didn’t want to be different, but they did want to feel more comfortable while still looking professional when representing WBA. The important thing is that the club are listening to the players and supporting their needs.”  

West Bromwich Albion also provide free period products around the Hawthorns for supporters and periods are regularly on the agenda of their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee meetings. 

Further down, in the fifth tier of the women’s football pyramid, Lincoln United Football Club have also been tackling menstruation and equality.  

A white kit has often been cited as a barrier for girls playing football

“It’s one club, from our media coverage to ensuring the women’s first team rightfully play on the stadium pitch,” says Laura McWilliams, Vice Chair of the Board. “It was this drive for balance that meant we incorrectly made a choice when it came to the kit, as we wanted to ensure all teams had the same identity, and Lincoln United has traditionally played in all white.”  

Feedback from players in the senior team and on the junior girls pathway made the club realise how uncomfortable many players felt wearing the white shorts; particularly in younger age groups, where it was cited as a barrier to girls playing the game.  

“We knew we had to act,” says McWilliams. “Despite the fact we had already purchased the new kit, we didn’t want to wait till next season, so the club foot the cost of new shorts in red for the home kit and green for the away. It’s important to note when you’ve made a decision that isn’t the right one and put it right.”  

The change has had an overwhelmingly positive response from supporters, parents and people across the game, but McWilliams says the greatest part is that players who were concerned about playing due to the colour of the shorts are now confident and happy to continue. “That’s ultimately what the move was about, and I hope to see more of the same from other clubs and sports. It is a small change but has an important impact.” 

Amy Hood, Sheffield United’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager, recognises the importance of normalising periods. “As a football club, we work hard to make sure that menstruation isn’t a taboo subject. We know that members of our staff, players and young people could be menstruating, and we offer support where needed, whether this be through sanitary products or a listening ear.”  

Hood, who also plays football in the East Midlands Regional Premier Division, is keen to highlight the effect menstruation can have on physical and mental performance. “Menstruation in sport is an incredibly important topic. I feel it’s hugely significant to recognise and remember that people menstruate, as often this is forgotten or overlooked. Menstruation can impact energy levels, which ultimately could determine whether someone performs well or not.”

We are finally starting to openly talk about menstruation and its effects on sports

Hood’s views echo that of the wider sporting community. 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metre champion Eilish McColgan spoke openly about the impact their period has on their performance, so is the next logical step to teach menstruators to work in harmony with their cycles? Chella Quint, Period Positive founder and author of books for adults and teens, Own Your Period and Be Period Positive, suggests so.

“If we want to challenge period stigma, and leakage fear in particular, we can start by getting to know our menstrual cycles better,” she says. “When we track how we feel physically and emotionally at each phase—not just when we’re bleeding but all four parts of our cycle—it’s easier to prepare for how and when we train, when to rest, when to try a new challenge and when to throw a pair of period pants in our gym bag!” 

We’ve come a long way and are finally reaching a point where open discourse around menstruation is not just acceptable but fully celebrated in sporting circles. It's about bloody time.

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