The Strong Side: A Bold New Step in Violence Prevention in Football
- International Association of ESD Professionals
- Reading time: 3 min
The International Association of ESD Professionals (IAESDP) is proud to launch The Strong Side—a powerful new violence prevention initiative in football that brings the life-changing tools of Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) into the heart of football culture.
This global project is designed to improve fan safety and promote inclusive football environments by offering tailored safety trainings to football players, coaches, club staff, media, stadium workers, and supporters. By strengthening community resilience and communication, The Strong Side equips participants with tools to prevent gender-based violence in football and beyond.
Why Football, Why Now?
Football is more than a sport—it’s a global language. But like society, it also reflects deep-rooted issues, including violence against women and gender minorities. Research shows that major tournaments can exacerbate these issues. For example, domestic violence rates in England surged 26–38% following national team matches during recent FIFA World Cups.
With The Strong Side, the football community now has a powerful, proactive solution. Based on decades of global experience in violence prevention and Empowerment Self-Defense, the initiative empowers individuals with practical tools for boundary-setting, bystander intervention, and situational awareness—all adapted to the unique dynamics of football stadiums, matchdays, and club communities.
What the Program Offers
Participating football clubs gain access to tailored violence prevention training programs for different stakeholder groups—from youth players to fan groups and stadium security. The initiative includes:
- Comprehensive safety and prevention training
- Fan engagement tools for culture change
- Real-time monitoring via feedback apps and safety logs
- Collaboration with researchers (including Johns Hopkins University) to measure impact
From professional clubs to grassroots teams, The Strong Side meets the violence prevention need —with scalable solutions that support communities and club culture.
Why It Matters for Clubs
The value of The Strong Side goes beyond safety—it drives long-term growth and resilience for football clubs:
- Enhanced fan trust and loyalty, especially among women, youth, and families
- Improved matchday atmosphere with reduced conflict and violence
- Stronger alignment with club values, sponsors, and CSR goals
- Documented financial ROI—similar programs report $3–$6 returns per $1 invested
- Leadership in shaping a safe, respectful football culture
This is about building clubs that not only win matches—but also lead by example in violence prevention and social responsibility.
Football’s Strongest Side is Its Community
The Strong Side is an invitation to the football community—clubs, supporters, athletes, and organizers—to reclaim the sport as a space of safety, joy, and empowerment for all. It’s about shifting culture, strengthening relationships, and making sure that matchday safety and respect on and off the pitch become the norm.
🔗 Explore the project: www.thestrongside.team
🌍 Join the initiative: Contact regional representatives via the website.
🛡️ The Strong Side is a project launched by the International Association of ESD Professionals (IAESDP) — advancing safety, equity, and dignity worldwide.