We are beyond thrilled to reveal that Netball Scotland have been awarded funding from sportscotland to provide 14 of our clubs with a grant of £100 to empower them to offer free period products to their members.
In 2018, through direct investment from the Scottish Government, Scotland became the first country in the world to provide access to free sanitary products in schools, colleges, universities and public sector settings. This additional investment of £1,400 to Netball Scotland is part of a wider £50,000 fund awarded to sportscotland by the Scottish Government to widen the provision and access to free period products to participants of sport.
By supporting clubs to offer free period products to participants and visitors, the fund is intended to support the Scottish Government’s aims of further widening the availability of products beyond education and public sector settings and seeks to ensure that everyone feels included and comfortable taking part in club and community sport.
Jacqueline Lynn, Head of School and Community Sport at sportscotland, said:
“Sport has a positive impact on people and communities and sportscotland wants to ensure sport is accessible to all. These grants will help sports clubs across Scotland ensure all members feel included, comfortable and dignified when they take part.
It is important we continue to celebrate female participation across our world-class sporting system and make sure everyone feels they belong and are welcome to participate.”
As a predominantly female sport Netball Scotland aims to normalise the provision of free sanitary products by clubs, to reduce the stigma and address the overarching gender equality and dignity issues that affect everyone who menstruates, regardless of their income. Not only does it provide support to those on low incomes, it gives all women peace of mind, encourages participation in sport and supports good physical health.
Claire Nelson, CEO Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens, said:
“As a female dominated sport, we recognise our role as leaders in the campaign for equality within sport. For us it is fundamental that periods and the anxiety around them do not become a barrier to participation, therefore we want to drive the provision of free sanitary products across our membership, beginning with this sportscotland grant. We want to show that menstruation is not a taboo subject. The majority of people in our sport experience it in some way every month and as the provision of free sanitary products is becoming more common, we want to ensure that netball is at the forefront of this movement.
I would like to thank the member clubs who are already pioneering this initiative within their own environments and I hope that they serve as inspiration to others who want to #getinvolved in this fantastic initiative. Together we can reduce the stigma #SucceedAsATeam”
8 of our clubs have already accepted this funding opportunity and will begin offering free period products to their Members! A huge thank you to the following clubs for promoting this incredible initiative:
| · Kirkcaldy Netball Club |
| · St Peters Netball Club |
| · Glasgow Flames Netball Club |
| · ACES Netball Club |
| · Black Diamonds Netball Club |
| · Glasgow South Saltires Netball Club |
| · BBN Winchburgh Warriors |
| · Shortlees Netball Club |
We have been in contact with clubs directly about this funding, however, if your club would be interested in claiming any of the remaining grant please contact membership@netballscotland.com for more information.
