Celtic FC becomes the first club in the UK to provide free sanitary products

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are leading the way off the pitch too after becoming the first club in the UK to provide free sanitary products at their stadium.

Following a fan campaign, launched by Erin Slaven and friends Orlaith Duffy and Mikaela McKinlay, a petition for the club to offer tampons and sanitary pads to tackle period poverty garnered over 2,500 signatures.

The Glasgow football club will offer free products at Celtic Park from next season on a trial basis, with the aim of a permanent service in place by December.

Slaven tweeted her thanks after the announcement yesterday.

https://twitter.com/ErinCSlaven/status/991642672413659136

Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been campaigning to end period poverty in Scotland, welcomed the move from the club.

“This is a brilliant victory for the activists who have been campaigning to secure free access to sanitary products at Celtic Park,” she said. “Menstruation should never be a barrier for women participating in football or supporting their team.

Lennon also said she will be meeting with the Scottish Football Association next month regarding its policies on menstruation for all football clubs in Scotland.

A Celtic spokesperson said: “We are pleased to support this trial, which we hope will be well received by our female supporters.”