Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre becomes one of the first period supportive tennis venues in Britain

By simply providing access to free period products and hygienic, discreet, and responsible disposable solutions with FabLittleBag on hand, venues can help remove the stress, awkwardness and stigma of managing menstruation, especially when periods arrive unexpectedly, or there is a lack of available products.

Research, including insights from Sport England and Women in Sport, highlights that managing periods and the lack of practical facilities, contribute significantly to girls stopping sport in their teenage years with 64% of girls leaving sport by the age of 17. Having FabLittleBag dispensers in cubicles ensures that girls can easily, hygienically and confidentially dispose of period products in a more sustainable way.

To make period management easier and more discrete, FabLittleBag also offer Coach kits, including tampons and pads, which are made available during tennis sessions. This simple addition helps to create more welcoming and relaxed environments and helps to break down taboos and normalise periods for both female participants and coaches, many of whom are male.

Jo-Anne Downing, LTA Programme Strategy Manager said, “It’s incredibly important that we are creating environments in which women and girls feel supported and comfortable when playing tennis and it is often small things that can go a long way.

"We’re delighted that these clubs have recognised the benefits of being a period supportive venue and will continue to work with all clubs, venues and coaches to see this adopted more broadly.”

Martha Silcott, Founder of FabLittleBag added, “Periods must not be a barrier to participation in sport, and I am so delighted that these LTA venues have joined our Period Supportive Movement creating more inclusive welcoming environments where women and girls feel supported, and their basic needs are met. In addition to the benefits felt by female users, there are also significant benefits to venues and the environment from responsible disposal.”

Research shows that 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed every day in the UK leading to expensive blockages as well as pollution to waterways.

Emily James, Coach with sports provider NET 360 who are based at Beverley Park Lawn Tennis Club, said, "We jumped at the chance of partnering with the LTA and FabLittleBag to promote period positivity. It's a subject we feel very passionately about, especially in sport. We don't want our girls to feel embarrassed and we certainly don't want it to be a reason they don't come to play tennis."

Marla Sinclair age 14, who attends the girl only programme, said, "Knowing there's everything we need at the club makes me feel so much more relaxed on court. It's great that our coaches are easy to talk to, understand and support us."

Steve Mills, General Manager Nottingham Tennis Centre added, “Our partnership with FabLittleBag is the latest initiative in our mission to normalise the topic of periods in sport, with the hope of breaking down barriers and tackling period poverty. Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre is proud to be leading the way in making sport more accessible and comfortable for women and girls”.