Thursday 16th August, 2018 at 10:17am
Partick Thistle has announced that in response to increasing numbers of girls and women attending its games last season, it is introducing “Kitbags” in every ladies and disabled toilet at Firhill. The Thistle branded bags, which are free, are filled with a range of sanitary products as well as a sweet treat.
The idea came from lifelong Jags fan Alison McGhee, who proposed that the Club should recognise the increasing numbers of women attending games and, rather than install machines, offer sanitary products free of charge – but with the addition of something sweet to deal with the accompanying sugar craving.
Supporter engagement officer, Beth Adamson helps Alison McGhee to put the kit bags together
Gerry Britton, PTFC Chief Executive and dad to four girls, explained the rationale behind the move:
“When we surveyed women fans earlier this year, it was clear that the Club was increasingly attractive to female fans. As we were looking at barriers to attendance, Alison got in touch with her proposal. It made sense that with increasing numbers of young women coming along with male family and friends that we made it easy for them if they needed to access sanitary products without embarrassment.
“The Kitbags came out of that conversation. It’s a small but important acknowledgement of the growing attendance of girls and women at games, done in a very Thistle-like way.”
An earlier suggestion of Alison’s led to the introduction of a Parent and Child room in the Jackie Husband Stand concourse, situated next door to the disabled toilet. There are baby changing facilities, seating for feeding and access to fresh water for fans who have brought babies and toddlers to the ground.
