Bristol Rovers first EFL club to install period product dispensers

Bristol Rovers has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by becoming the first club in the English Football League to install DAME period product dispensers at its Memorial Stadium.

This initiative is part of the club’s ongoing partnership with DAME and Her Game Too, aimed at transforming the matchday experience into a more welcoming and comfortable environment for all fans.

Recent research has highlighted significant concerns faced by female football supporters, with 78.3% experiencing stress or anxiety about the availability of period products, and 44.3% indicating that these worries have impacted their enjoyment of matches.

By providing complimentary and easily accessible period products within the stadium, Bristol Rovers hopes to address one of the practical issues that can affect supporters' ability to enjoy matches without distraction.

Mitch Waddon, Head of Media & Engagement at Bristol Rovers, said: “Having DAME period products available within our female bathrooms is a small but significant step in making sure that everyone who comes to the Memorial Stadium feels welcome, comfortable and able to enjoy their matchday experience. Removing some of the uncertainty around access to period products is an important part of that.”

Waddon’s sentiments were echoed by Chloe Watts, Community Relations Coordinator for Her Game Too, who expressed pride in Bristol Rovers’ trailblazing effort. “Access to period products should never be a barrier to enjoying football, and this marks a fantastic step towards making the matchday experience more accessible and inclusive for supporters,” Watts commented.

Lily Poelmann, B2B Sales Manager at DAME, emphasised the sustainability of their products, and added: “It is so amazing to see the dispensers installed in the Bristol Rovers bathrooms, ready to support matchdays. We manufacture our dispensers in the UK, 3D-printing them from waste plastic to be ultra-lightweight and durable, and our period products are GOTS-certified organic cotton.”

The DAME period dispensers initiative is the latest development in Bristol Rovers’ commitment to inclusivity, spearheaded through their collaboration with Her Game Too, which aims to create an environment where all supporters feel at home.

As part of this drive, Poelmann also praised Her Game Too, noting their contribution to empowerment and inclusion in sport for girls and women. “It’s fantastic to work with stadiums that care about delivering both period equity and sustainability, and we’re so proud to be the partner that made it happen,” Poelmann said.

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