A little preparation can make periods at football feel much less stressful.

You do not need to carry loads of things around, and you definitely do not need a special bag just because you have periods. A few useful items tucked into your normal football bag can simply mean that, if your period starts or you have a leak, you already have what you need.

What could I keep in my bag?

A simple period kit might include:

  • one or two period products that you know how to use;
  • a spare pair of underwear;
  • reusable period pants, if you use them;
  • a spare pair of shorts if you have them;
  • a small waterproof or washable bag for used underwear or kit;
  • tissues;
  • your normal water bottle and something to eat for longer sessions or match days.

That is enough for most situations.

You can keep everything together in a small pouch so you do not have to search through your whole football bag when you need it.

What if I haven’t started my periods yet?

You can still carry a pad or pair of period pants with you.

Your first period can start when you are at home, at school, at football or somewhere completely unexpected. Having something in your bag does not mean your period is definitely about to start , it just means you are prepared if it does.

It can also be useful if a teammate needs help.

Which period products should I pack?

Pack whatever feels comfortable and works for you.

That might be pads, period pants, tampons or another product you already use. There is no football rule saying you need to use a particular type of period product, and you do not have to use an internal product such as a tampon just because you play sport.

If you are new to periods, pads or period pants may feel simpler while you get used to what your body needs. If you use tampons or other products, follow the instructions that come with them and change them as recommended.

If you are unsure, our Period Products guide explains the different options in more detail.

Why pack spare underwear or shorts?

Because leaks happen.

Sometimes a period arrives earlier than expected. Sometimes a pad moves. Sometimes you are concentrating on football and do not realise you need to change your product.

Having something clean to change into can make the situation much easier.

A leak is not a failure and it does not mean you have managed your period badly. It is just something that can happen when you menstruate.

What is the waterproof bag for?

If your underwear or shorts get blood on them, you may not be able to wash them straight away.

A small waterproof or washable bag lets you put them away privately and take them home without getting anything else in your football bag wet or stained.

You do not need to throw clothing away because it has period blood on it.

Think about where the toilets are

When you arrive somewhere new for a match or tournament, it can help to notice where the toilets and changing rooms are.

That way, if you suddenly need to change your period product, you already know where to go.

If you cannot find the toilets, ask your coach or another trusted adult. You should be able to manage your period privately and wash your hands.

What if I forget everything?

It happens.

Tell someone you trust. You might say:

“I’ve started my period and I don’t have anything with me.”

or simply:

“Do you have a period product I could use?”

A coach, parent, carer, teammate or another adult may be able to help. Some clubs also keep emergency period products available.

You do not need to be embarrassed about asking.

For tournaments and long football days

If you are going to be away from home for several hours, pack enough products for the whole day plus a spare or two.

It is also useful to have food, water and anything else you normally need to feel comfortable during a long day of football.

Do not wait until you feel completely exhausted or very hungry before saying you need a break.

Your five-second check before you leave

Products. Underwear. Shorts. Bag. Water.

If those things are there, you are probably covered.

And if something unexpected still happens? You can ask for help. Being prepared is useful, but you do not have to manage everything on your own.

Want to know more?

These Health Hub pages can help: