Renewed Partnership for the 25/26 Season - Cheeky Pants

Hashtag United Youth Football Club are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Cheeky Pants.

To help support our female players through their menstrual cycle, Cheeky Pants have provided a free pair of period pants for all our female youth members.

As a partnership we are keen to raise awareness of the effects the menstrual cycle can have on players and the barriers it can pose on participation in sport. We will therefore proudly display the Cheeky Pants logo on our female home kits for teams from under 12 upwards.

In addition, we will provide each female team with a ‘just in case’ bag, which will consist of sanitary products and other essential items. We will also provide free sanitary products for members and visitors to the Forest Glade Sports Ground. Free pads and tampons will be available in the female toilets.

Finally, in our aim to support players through their menstrual cycle/periods, and more generally, we have introduced a Female Player Liaison Officers (FPLOs) role to each of our girls’ teams. The role is designed to provide support to our players should they feel more comfortable speaking and interacting with a female rather than one of their male coaches, and for the FPLOs to work alongside and advise coaches as appropriate on any issues.

Mark Skipp, Director of Youth Football, said: “This is a huge step forward for the club. We are passionate about raising awareness of how the menstrual cycle can affect young athletes” “the introduction of free sanitary products not only supports our members but also addresses period poverty, especially in the current financial climate”.

Simon Lane, Head of Youth Girls, said “I am delighted for the club, but more importantly for our female members, to agree what is a fantastic partnership with a great company looking out for our future stars in their development both on and off the pitch”.

Jo Van Huet at Cheeky Pants said “Here at Cheeky Pants we're passionate about accessibility to affordable reusable period products for all. We know how many young people are missing out on PE, sports and exercise as they don't know how to navigate their period around this.

We're delighted to be partnering with Hashtag United to support young players and continue to break down the barriers around the menstrual cycle and sport.”

How are periods affecting your players?
“64% of girls have left sport by the time they finish puberty” - The Always Confidence & Puberty Wave IV Study
“39% of girls say that their periods stop them from doing PE at school and 24% say their periods stop them from taking part in sport outside of school” - Betty for Schools 2017

Who are Cheeky Pants?
Cheeky Pants have been providing reusable period and incontinence protection since 2008 and are passionate about educating and informing customers and communities about how they can make the switch. Visit their website for more information/advice and a huge range of fantastic products - www.cheekypants.com