Runcorn Linnets have signed up in support of a football-led campaign to tackle the problem of period poverty among girls and young women.

Free sanitary products are to be made available to female players and supporters of the club as part of the successful On the Ball initiative.

The groundbreaking scheme launched last summer by three fans at Celtic Football Club has spread rapidly.

Now close to 60 football clubs of all levels of the game have become involved.

Under the scheme, the Runcorn club will provide sanitary products without  charge in the Ladies toilets at The Millbank Linnets Stadium.

But not only are the Linnets aiming to further highlight financial issues surrounding sanitary products - research has shown that one in 10 girls can't afford them - they also want to combat the associated stigma and embarrassment, which can deter participation and enjoyment of sport.

The success of Runcorn Linnets Ladies - among the top teams in the Cheshire Women's League - along with the progress and promise of the club's junior and youth agegroup girls' teams, proves that female footballers have no need to be deterred or discouraged from playing. There is also no reason for them to feel ashamed.

An online sample survey of 1,000 14-21 year olds, conducted in 2017 by Opinium Research, prompted the girls rights charity Plan International UK to release statistics showing the extent of period poverty among young women in the United Kingdom.

The research showed:

10% of those surveyed couldn't afford sanitary wear; one in seven girls (15%) struggled to pay for them.

14% were forced to borrow sanitary wear from a friend.

12% had to improvise sanitary wear for the same financial reasons.

19% of girls changed to a less suitable sanitary product due to cost.

The research also showed up the full extent of the taboo and stigma surrounding periods and menstruation.

Nearly half (48%) of UK girls aged 14-21felt embarrassed by their periods.

One in seven (14%) did not know what was happening when they started their period.

Almost three quarters (71%) of those questioned felt embarrassed buying sanitary products.

49% had lost a day's schooling because of their period.

64% of girls missed a PE lesson or sport because of their period, 52% of these concocting a lie or false excuse.

Lucy Russell, UK Campaign manager at Plan International UK, said:

"Period poverty is a very real challenge facing many girls in the UK, and it's devastating to hear of the impact it is having on girls' lives, their ability to be themselves, and their self-esteem.

"We need a society-wide approach to bust the taboo, and an education programme which addresses the shocking reality that too many girls lack the knowledge and understanding of how to manage their period, and are too afraid to ask for advice."

Mike Bignall, chairman of Runcorn Linnets, said:

"The statistics are truly shocking and as a club, which is fully committed to promoting the value of sport and healthy lifestyle among young women and girls, we are committed to doing what we can to break down the financial barriers and also the stigma surrounding periods and menstruation.

"If providing free sanitary products for our young players and supporters helps with this even in a small way then as a community club, we will feel that our involvement in the On The Ball campaign will have been worthwhile."

In the 8th minute from just outside the 6 yard box with a fabulous volley Paul Shanley put the Linnets ahead. Billy Reeves received a Yellow Card for Leek Town in the 22nd minute. Leek Town equalised in the 39th minute with a goal from Aaron Bott. In the 66th minute the Linnets substituted Mitch Bryant for Freddie Potter. In the 76th minute Leek Town substituted Aaron Bott for Tim Grice. In the 77th minute Leek Town substituted Jordan Johnson for Daniel Trickett-Smith. In the 89th minute the Linnets substituted Paul Shanley for Liam O'Neill.

Match Report

Right back Matt Russell has left the club to rejoin Glossop North End after making six appearances for the Linnets.

Matt joined Runcorn in December  but with travelling an issue, things haven't quite worked out. We wish him all the best in his future playing career.

Lloyd Dean received a Yellow Card for Prescot Cables in the 30th minute. In the 33rd minute Prescot were awarded a penalty. In the 34th minute Matty Holmes saved the penalty. Jack Lenehan received a Yellow Card for Prescot Cables in the 35th minute. From close range with a cracking strike Paul Shanley scored for the Linnets in the 36th minute. Ryan Gibson increased the Linnets' lead in the 2nd minute of added time of the first half from just outside the 6 yard box with a fantastic touch. In the 59th minute the Linnets substituted Mitch Bryant for Liam O'Neill. In the 59th minute the Linnets substituted Kurt Sherlock for Freddie Potter. In the 68th minute the Linnets substituted Kyle Hamid for Josh Dobie. The Linnets concede a Bobby Evans own goal in the 69th minute. Josh Dobie received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 73rd minute. Freddie Potter received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 77th minute. Luke Griffiths received a Yellow Card for Prescot Cables in the 82nd minute. Luke Griffiths received a Red Card for Prescot Cables in the 82nd minute. Josh Klein-Davies received a Yellow Card for Prescot Cables in the 89th minute. Ryan Gibson received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 2nd minute of added time of the second half.

Match Report

Runcorn Linnets boss Michael Ellison has strengthened his striking department with the capture of young goal scorer Liam O'Neill from Padiham.

Liam, 21, has hit 19 goals in 30 appearances this season for the Storks, having joined the Hallmark Security League Premier Division club in the summer from our now EVO-STIK League Division One West rivals, Atherton Collieries.

It is no secret that Ellison, whose team is in home league action tomorrow against Prescot Cables, has been actively looking for increased forward options and he is delighted to have landed Liam, who as well as being a natural scorer is also an excellent technician.

Ello said: "Liam's a young forward who was a pro at Crewe.

"He's been with Airbus, Colls and most recently Padiham where his strike rate has been impressive.

"He will be  a great addition to our attacking line.

"He had a number of clubs chasing his signature so I am really pleased that he's decided to come to Linnets."

Liam had been a scholar at Crewe before being awarded a professional contract in 2015.

He helped the Railwaymen's Under-18s team to reach the FA Youth Cup quarter finals by scoring four goals along the way - including one against Arsenal.