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.

Surprise! We did it. @mjmxx@orlaithduffy1 After an eventful campaign, lots of research and co-operation with Celtic – sanitary products will be free in Celtic Park from next season. Thanks so much to everybody who helped us! Leading by example, the Celtic Way! pic.twitter.com/Car2io5pIf

— Erin Slaven (@ErinCSlaven) May 2, 2018

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.”