Virginia Physicians for Women will hold a period supplies drive for Sylvia’s Sisters during its sponsorship of the first match of the new women’s soccer team.
Virginia Physicians for Women is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the first home match of Richmond’s new pre-professional women’s soccer team: the Richmond Ivy. The Ivy is part of the USL W League, which enhances the women’s soccer pipeline between college and professional soccer. The sister team to the Richmond Kickers, the Ivy will play all home games at the Kickers’ City Stadium. The Ivy kicks off its inaugural season in May 2024, opening their home schedule on Saturday, May 11, at 6 pm.
“As an avid soccer mom of three soccer players, I am thrilled that VPFW is sponsoring the Richmond Ivy home opener,” says VPFW president Dr. Kenley Neuman. Dr. Neuman grew up in Richmond and has been an OB/GYN with the practice since 2007. “Having the opportunity to support the new women’s pre-professional soccer team in Richmond is an exciting way to show our passion for promoting girls’ fitness and health,” says Dr. Neuman.
Period supplies drive at the game
As presenting sponsor of the Ivy’s first match, VPFW will have a table inside the main entrance where it will hold a period supplies drive for Sylvia’s Sisters to benefit local students in need of quality period products. Fans who purchase a ticket to the game are encouraged to bring any of the following period supplies to donate, which Sylvia’s Sisters will distribute to students in need:
- Tampons (any size/absorbency)*
- Liners (individually wrapped only)*
- Thin Maxi Pads
- Regular Maxi Pads
- Long Maxi Pads
- Nighttime Maxi Pads
- Leggings (Youth XS-XL and Adult XS-XL)
- Underwear (Youth XS-XL and Adult XS-XL)
The opening match falls right in the middle of VPFW’s period supplies drive for Sylvia’s Sisters, where the practice is collecting supplies at each of their six offices through May 31.
Leveling the playing field for girls
Collecting donations at the game just made sense to Dr. Neuman, and it further demonstrates VPFW’s commitment to supporting women’s health. “VPFW is devoted to providing comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care to the women in our community. Access to quality period supplies is a huge part of maintaining women’s health, especially for our youth,” says Dr. Neuman.
According to Sylvia’s Sisters, 1 in 4 girls miss school each year because they don’t have period supplies. A lack of supplies means missing sports and other activities as well. “Beyond physical health and hygiene, having access to the quality products young menstruators need will allow them to not only participate but thrive in sports, in the classroom, and in life,” says Dr. Neuman.
Dr. Neuman also applauded the career opportunities that the introduction of the Richmond Ivy team provides for women in our area. “It’s inspiring for young girls to see these new potential career paths, from playing to coaching to working in the sport at a higher level. I am especially excited for the positive role model the Richmond Ivy will be for my daughter and so many female youth soccer players in the Richmond area.”
Get tickets to the Richmond Ivy home opener on May 11, and learn more about VPFW’s period supplies drive for Sylvia’s Sisters.
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.