Charlton Athletic Football Club have announced that they will be providing free sanitary products within the female toilets at their stadium as of November 2022. 

One of the club’s Fan Advisers, Lewis Catt, said: “It helps female fans come to Charlton and be comfortable in knowing that there is a facility there for them.

“You want to encourage as many people to come along and enjoy football regardless of gender. It is great to see more female fans coming in.”  

The provision of products for women at football clubs was pioneered by the Her Game Too campaign which includes supporters and representatives from the club. They aim to tackle gender inequality within football.   

Natasha Everitt, Charlton’s Her Game Too ambassador said: “It is a really good thing for Charlton to get involved with. It sends a really good message to our female fanbase.

“The role of the working group is to look out for the needs of Charlton’s female fans to make the experience at The Valley and following Charlton away as welcoming and as enjoyable as possible.” 

Football has a long history of sexism and misogyny. 

The football fan gender gap in the UK is narrowing.

The number of female fans increased from 33 per cent in 2017 to 37 per cent in 2020. As a result, inclusion and support for women is increasingly becoming more important.

The initiative has received positive reactions on social media. 

Lucy Hamshere, a Charlton fan, said: “This is a huge step in the right direction for female fans at the club.” 

Denise Noonan, a Charlton fan, said: “So good to see our amazing club continuing to lead the way for others to follow. CAFC has always had its community at its heart.” 

Many other fans congratulated and thanked the club, and everyone involved.