The Burnley place brand has sponsored Fulledge Colts with £1,000 to fund period shorts for girls

The Burnley place brand has thrown its support behind grassroots football club Fulledge Colts, with the introduction of new period shorts for girls.

Three new kits have been designed across both the boys and girl’s teams to support inclusivity. Whilst all kits will have navy shorts and socks, the girls’ kit will have period protection integrated into them.

Stefan Wilson, vice chairperson of Fulledge Colts, explained: “Girls’ participation in football often drops off during their teen years, and a major factor is feeling self‑conscious in traditional football kits. We see the impact of this across the sport where some girls avoid playing during their period, with some stepping away from football altogether.

“Creating a more supportive kit has been a priority for us, but specialist items come at a cost. That’s why we’re delighted Burnley.co.uk stepped in to fund the full £1,000 needed for the shorts.”

Figures from Women in Sport show that 78% of females avoid playing sport when on their period. Over 40 per cent of girls who consider themselves “sporty” drop out after primary school.

Jojo Bond, a player for Fulledge U14 Purple Girls, shared her feedback after playing in the new kit: "I think it’s good because I feel more comfortable and protected now, and I don’t have to worry as much when I’m playing."

Rachel Bayley, Burnley place brand manager, said: “Girls staying in sport isn’t just about fitness. It builds confidence, leadership, discipline and resilience. These are the exact traits linked to higher ambition and life outcomes, exactly what we want for young people in Burnley.

“We want all young people to grow up here feeling supported, which will hopefully lead them to reaching their potential in the borough, whether it’s become a professional athlete, completing their education here or building a career at one of our amazing employers. Hopefully this small step of sponsoring the shorts will support the girls at Fulledge Colts to keep doing what they love and help them feel even more proud to live here.”

The £1,000 sponsorship has fully funded the production of 100 pairs of the specialist period integrated shorts, ensuring every girl across the club always has access to the garment she needs, with additional capacity for new players and replacements for the 2026/27 season.

Michael Nadal, football development officer at the Lancashire FA, added: “Something as simple as providing girls with a choice of appropriate, comfortable playing kit can help remove a barrier and ensure they can focus on enjoying their football. It is great to see the club listening to its female players and, with the support of the place brand, taking positive action to create an environment where girls feel comfortable, confident and supported to continue playing.

“We hope initiatives like this encourage more clubs to have conversations with their players about female health and wellbeing and consider the practical changes they can make to help keep girls in the game.”