Shelbourne FC partners with Irish period care company Riley to break down menstruation stigma in sport | OneFootball

Shelbourne Football Club is proud to announce a new partnership with Irish-owned period care company Riley, aimed at tackling one of sport’s long-overdue conversations: the impact of menstruation on athletes.

Research shows that 1 in 5 girls drop out of sport between primary and secondary school, with the onset of adolescence and menstruation often cited as a key factor. By shining a light on this issue, Shelbourne FC and Riley hope to create a more inclusive sporting culture, one where girls and women feel supported to stay active and continue competing at the highest levels.

Founded in Ireland, Riley is committed to making period care more sustainable and stigma-free. This collaboration not only provides high-quality products for players, but also opens the door for honest conversations and education seminars about female health in football and beyond.

As part of the partnership between Shelbourne FC and Riley, Riley have committed to supplying Shelbourne FC with a “period pack” for every female team in the academy as an essential part of their training and match day gear. Riley are also supplying period products to the home of Shelbourne FC, Tolka Park, available in the women’s bathrooms for supporters.

Tomás Quinn, CEO of Shelbourne FC, said:

“At Shelbourne FC, we believe our role extends beyond the pitch and we are committed to making football more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for everyone. Partnering with Riley is a natural step forward in creating the right environment for our players, staff, and supporters. This partnership not only provides practical support but also helps break down stigmas and to promote positive change across Irish football.”

Gemma Murphy, Women’s Academy Manager at Shelbourne FC, added:

“This partnership with Riley is a huge step forward for both our first team and academy. Educating coaches on menstrual health is a vital step in supporting our players to perform and feel their best. Something as simple as having a period pack on hand can make a huge difference to a player’s comfort, confidence, and wellbeing. This partnership is a great example of the club’s leadership continuing to put female health at the forefront of our strategy, which ensures the needs of our women and girls are not only recognised but prioritised.”