Coach Toolkit: Parent Letter, Team Talk & Match-Day Checklists

Dear parents and carers,

At [club name] we want every player to feel comfortable at football, including when they have their period.

Periods and puberty are a normal part of growing up, and they can bring a few extra worries at football, such as leaks, kit, toilets and talking to a coach. This season our coaches will:

• make sure players can use the toilet without having to explain why
• keep period products, spare underwear and dark spare shorts in the match bag
• respond calmly and privately if a player needs help
• never ask players to share information about their periods to take part
• let you know if your child is unwell or needs your support

Players can speak to any of our coaches, or to [named adult], our [role], if they would prefer.

If there is anything that would help your child, such as a health condition or a worry about kit, please let us know privately at [contact].

Thank you,
[Coach name], [team]

“Before you go, one quick thing. Football should be fun for everyone, so a few simple rules.

If you need the toilet at any point, just tell me or [named adult]. You don’t need to say why.

There are pads, spare shorts and other bits in the [blue pouch] in the match bag. Just help yourself, no need to ask.

If you’re not feeling great, for any reason, come and tell one of us and we’ll sort it.

And nobody makes jokes about anyone’s body, periods or kit. We look after each other. That’s it.”