Post-Yates: 3 Fan-Safety Moves MLS Clubs Still Haven't Made
- International Association of ESD Professionals
- Reading time: 2 min
A Call to Change: Fan-Safety Must be Treated as a Priority
Since the release of the 2022 Yates Report, which exposed widespread safeguarding failures in U.S. Soccer, reforms have focused heavily on player welfare—and rightly so. But nearly three years later, as stadium attendance breaks new records and fan culture becomes increasingly vibrant and diverse, one glaring issue remains: fan safety is still being treated as an afterthought.
While the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has reckoned with further revelations—including a $5 million restitution settlement announced in February 2025—Major League Soccer (MLS) has invested elsewhere: in stadium technology, expansion, and broadcast deals. What’s missing is a holistic, proactive approach to protecting the matchday experience—especially for women, families, and LGBTQ+ supporters.
Here are three strategic, actionable moves MLS clubs can make today to close the fan-safety gap—and turn a historic liability into a lasting advantage.
1. Expand Safeguarding from Locker Room to Grandstand
Much of the post-Yates safeguarding work has focused on athletes. But the same principles—safety, dignity, prevention—must extend to the stands. Too often, fans from marginalized communities face harassment or unsafe conditions with little visible recourse.
One immediate step clubs can take is to pilot a Fan Safety Officer model. These officers would be trained in Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) and de-escalation techniques, clearly identifiable in stadium colors, and accessible via mobile app, QR code signage, or SMS. Their presence would signal care and accountability— and provide fans with an empowered, proactive pathway to safety.
Beyond the immediate safety benefits, this approach offers clubs a chance to demonstrate leadership, reduce legal risk, and create new sponsorship opportunities. Imagine a “Presented by [Brand] The Strong Sides” initiative that earns local press and boosts public trust.
Organizations like The Strong Side are already equipped to deliver turnkey solutions—offering ESD curriculum, staff training, and app-ready safety micro-maps for evidence-based Violence Prevention. All clubs need to do is open the doors.
2. Turn Safety into a Sponsorship Asset
As brands shift their focus toward social impact and values-based marketing, most MLS clubs are still offering the same sponsorship assets: LED boards, jersey patches, and stadium signage. What they’re missing is a rapidly growing category: safety as a platform.
Clubs can begin by developing a Safety Impact Package for their 2026 sponsorship decks. This might include naming rights on fan training events, branded “Safe Return Ride” vouchers, and in-app safety modules that educate and engage fans long after the final whistle.
The return on investment here is twofold: not only does it turn a compliance cost into measurable corporate social responsibility (CSR) value, but it also strengthens relationships with key consumer groups—particularly women and families, who account for nearly 70% of household spending decisions.
Partners like The Strong Side offer a white-labeled ESD app with built-in gamification: quizzes, points, rewards, and more. It’s an easy, zero-development-cost way to create a feel-good story fans and sponsors alike will rally around.
3. Publish Transparent Fan-Safety Metrics
Clubs are increasingly publishing environmental and sustainability reports—but when it comes to fan safety, the numbers are conspicuously absent. How many incidents occurred last season? How quickly were they resolved? How many staff received de-escalation training? Without transparency, fans and media are left in the dark—and suspicion often fills the void.
By issuing a Fan Safety Scorecard each quarter, clubs can take control of the narrative. Anonymized incident reports, resolution timelines, and training completion rates can be benchmarked against league averages and used to track progress over time.
This kind of transparency builds trust and goodwill, preempts negative press, and can even strengthen clubs’ hand in negotiations with city officials or insurance providers.
The data already exists—clubs just need the right tool to harness it. The Strong Side offers a pre-built dashboard powered by incident logs and app analytics, giving clubs actionable insights with minimal staff lift.
Why This Matters Now
Investigations. Lawsuits. Sponsor exits. The costs of inaction have already proven steep. And with the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing unprecedented media scrutiny to U.S. soccer, the stakes are only rising.
The clubs that act now—those that take safety seriously, transparently, and creatively—will earn the right to call themselves best-in-class. The rest may be remembered for what they failed to do.
A Call to Action for MLS Leaders
If you’re ready to turn fan safety into a strategic advantage—not just a compliance item—start with a conversation.
📧 Email info@thestrongside.team to book a no-fee, 20-minute virtual briefing. No commitments—just pragmatic, cost-effective steps to move your club forward.
Because after Yates, doing nothing is no longer an option.