Surrey FA
Game ready. Period. How Surrey FA, Thorpe Park and Hey Girls are removing barriers to girls' and women's grassroots football
The Challenge
Periods shouldn't be a barrier to taking part in sport. Yet girls and women can miss training or matches because they don't have access to period products - or feel embarrassed about asking for them.
Surrey FA wanted to create a more inclusive football environment, supporting players on and off the pitch while helping to normalise conversations around periods.
Research suggests 84%* of teenage girls state that their interest in sport and fitness significantly diminished after starting their period.
*Source: Nuffield Health Menstrual Cycle Report
Making it happen
Surrey FA joined forces with Hey Girls and Thorpe Park to launch Game Ready. Period. Sustainable period products are supplied by Hey Girls and distributed by Surrey FA in specially designed boot bags to grassroots clubs across Surrey, giving players access to essentials whenever they need them. The partnership brings together a national governing body, social enterprise and corporate partner - demonstrating how collaboration can create meaningful social impact while supporting the growth of the women's and girls' game.
A social-impact donation model supporting people experiencing period poverty
Eco-friendly, zero-waste products
A shared belief that period products are a basic essential, not a luxury
partners supported nationwide
donations to date
Hey Girls founded as a Scottish social enterprise
profits reinvested
The Impact
Free access. Greater confidence. Fewer barriers.
By making period products available through grassroots clubs, Game Ready. Period. is helping more girls and women participate without worrying about access.
The initiative is also helping to:
- Normalise conversations around periods and menstrual health
- Reduce stigma for players, coaches and clubs
- Champion inclusion across grassroots football
- Deliver wider social impact through Hey Girls' 100% profit reinvestment into tackling period poverty
“No one should have to miss out because they don't have access to period products. It's all about removing barriers, championing inclusion, and making sure every girl feels confident to show up, play hard, and enjoy the ride.”
- Neil Poulter, VP, Thorpe Park
Speak to the hey girls team
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