Every goal scored during the SPAR Challenge turned into sanitary pad donations, helping young girls stay in school and restoring dignity beyond the netball court.
Johannesburg, South Africa (27 February 2026) – The SPAR Proteas’ recent 2–1 Test series victory over the England Roses at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg delivered plenty to celebrate on court, but the impact stretched far beyond the final whistle.
While the spotlight naturally fell on the fiercely contested SPAR Challenge International Netball Test Series, the matches also formed part of tackling period poverty in South Africa. Throughout the series, SPAR used the platform to amplify its #EndPeriodPoverty campaign, turning every goal into tangible support for young girls in need.
For every goal scored by the SPAR Proteas, a pack of SPAR Petals sanitary pads was pledged for donation. By the end of the series, the Proteas had netted 166 goals, with an additional 20 bonus goals added through spectator activations. The final tally saw 1,860 packs of sanitary pads donated to the Ubuntu Social and Community Development Club’s 600 Project 2026 in Gauteng.
The initiative forms part of SPAR’s broader commitment to community upliftment, aimed at ensuring that no learner misses school and no woman feels excluded because of the costs of necessities.
The Ubuntu Social and Community Development Club’s 2026 Bringing Back Dignity Sanitary Pads Campaign focuses on restoring confidence and continuity in education for young girls in under-resourced communities. For many families, the back-to-school season prioritises uniforms, transport and stationery, while menstrual hygiene products are often unaffordable. Some girls miss up to five days of school each month, placing them at an academic disadvantage.
Through the Proteas’ goals, 155 girls will now receive the support they need to remain in school this year. The spirit of the campaign even crossed international lines. The Australian Kelpies, who faced the Protea Men’s Team in a parallel three-match friendly series, pledged their own contribution. For every goal they scored (184 in total) they committed R10 per goal, adding a further R1 840 towards the cause.
In the end, the series was about using sport as a vehicle for dignity and access.
Sources: Supplied
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