Aimed at improving menstrual health education through the normalisation of conversations surrounding feminine hygiene, the launch ceremony was attended by team captains and managers from the participating teams in the ongoing SAFF Men's Championship 2026, marking a significant step towards breaking menstrual stigma and promoting dignity and inclusion in football.

Built on the foundation of addressing challenges surrounding menstrual health and the constraints they can pose to women's participation in football, ‘Play On Period’ will not only seek to improve access to sanitary products but also equip coaches, physiotherapists and safeguarding officers with the knowledge and understanding to support players with empathy.

The programme will also feature workshops for representatives from each MA, focusing on responding sensitively to players' needs, with participants also receiving a digital infographic toolkit and training certification to strengthen their ability to create a supportive environment for female footballers.

To further break down barriers and encourage open conversations, the initiative will subsequently introduce ‘Red Huddle’ sessions, providing a safe space for women footballers to discuss topics ranging from pain management and nutrition to mental well-being and strategies to challenge stigma, without fear or shame.

Channeling the beautiful game's ability to inspire change beyond the pitch, SAFF’s ‘Play On Period’ initiative was a fitting demonstration of the beautiful game’s ability to drive positive change in society, underscoring the ADAF’s overarching motto of ‘Football Cares’.