The International Association of ESD Professionals invites football clubs to lead the way in preventing gender-based violence by integrating Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) into their operations. ESD is a proven, skills-based approach that equips athletes to recognize, prevent, and respond to harassment and violence while also empowering trainers, journalists, stadium personnel, and fans to foster a culture of safety and respect.
Football is more than a game—it’s a powerful platform for driving social change. By challenging harmful norms and promoting gender equity, football clubs can transform stadiums, training grounds, and fan spaces into truly inclusive and secure environments. Partner with ESD professionals and make ESD your go-to strategy for preventing gender-based violence.
“Protect and facilitate a future, a safe future, for women and young girls to be whoever they want to be. And if they want to use sport to do that, then they need an environment that welcomes them and is safe for them to do that.”
Arsenal and England Defender
Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) and football share a common goal—creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone on and off the pitch.
By partnering with ESD professionals, football clubs can take a proactive stand against gender-based violence and set a new standard for safety, fairness, and respect in the sport.
21% of professional female athletes have experienced sexual abuse as children in sport, almost double the rate of their male counterparts.
Domestic abuse reports increase by 26% when the English national team wins or draws, and by 38% when the team loses.
Implementing Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) programs equips athletes, coaches, and staff with the skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to such violence, fostering a culture of safety and respect.
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The IAESDP is driven to Fight Forward in advancing global violence prevention by supporting ESD Professionals assisting services such as business tool-kits, web-hosting, further education and more. We are at the forefront of creating a global standard for Empowerment Self Defense through our credentialing program.
True fandom means looking out for the person sitting next to you. Download our free guide to mastering stadium safety and active allyship.
