England footballer Steph Houghton calls for end of period poverty to build young girls’ confidence

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy England Women's football team captain Steph Houghton has opened up about the importance of combatting period poverty in the UK, stating that access to period products helps girls feel “comfortable” to take part in daily activities. “I think when you take part in sporting activities you build up your confidence every day because you’re doing something that you like to do, and you feel good about yourself whether you’re on your period or not,” Houghton tells British Vogue. I think that can really impact your life in terms of going forward.” It’s for this reason that the footballer has teamed up with feminine care product brand Always to raise awareness of period poverty. I knew that I wanted to do it, and that I was quite good at it as well.” The football player also credited her team’s success in the World Cup, the increased media attention and television coverage of the sport for letting young girls "aspire to be professional footballers".