Arsenal WFC Is Tackling Period Stigma in Sports
Through a new campaign with Persil titled, “Every Stain Should Be Part of the Game.”
Persil, the renowned German laundry detergent brand, teamed up with Arsenal WFC to drive an important conversation — one that extends far beyond the pitch. Together, they launched a groundbreaking initiative through the club’s community program, Arsenal in the Community — aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding periods in sports.
Titled “Every Stain Should Be Part of the Game,” this initiative features a series of thoughtfully designed workshops where young girls and boys can openly discuss menstrual health, in a supportive environment. These sessions provide a safe space to ask questions, foster understanding and normalize conversations about the menstrual cycle — turning what is often treated as a taboo subject into one that encourages openness and education. It will also include sports-based activities to encourage mixed-gender participation, helping teenagers understand how small acts of empathy can keep more young athletes engaged in the game.
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This kind of progress is both necessary and long overdue. Menstrual cycles impact nearly every aspect of daily life, yet the conversation around them remains limited — especially in sports. To highlight the issue, Persil surveyed 1,000 teenage girls aged 15-18 who regularly participate in sports and the findings were stark. An overwhelming 78% admitted to discarding sportswear after experiencing a period leak, while the same percentage reported quitting sports altogether due to period-related anxiety.
Arsenal WFC player, Beth Mead shared in the press release, “We’ve all been in that situation, facing a leak or period stain and fearing how others might react to it. But it’s not right to feel shame over something that’s so normal.”
Check out the campaign video above and explore the gallery for a closer look at the visuals.
For more sports news, read about Nike’s powerful new brand anthem — “So Win.”
