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..
When your club launches its Strong Side Street Team, it takes a dedicated stand for fairness, safety, and respect in the sport. It draws a line across the sand that says: “We support fair, inclusive, safe play.” It’s a clear signal to your fans, your players, and the world that good sportsmanship is your highest value—during the game and long after the final whistle.
This is the goal, and The Strong Side is the winning play.
Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) offers a trauma-informed, evidence-based methodology that has been shown to reduce violence and foster safer environments. It equips individuals—especially women and girls—with the skills to set boundaries, respond to threats, and de-escalate confrontations.
By introducing ESD into football culture through The Strong Side, clubs have a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative solution: reducing violence, increasing safety, and leading meaningful cultural change within their communities. Through accessible ESD training, we empower fans and communities far beyond stadiums.
Practical tools for situational awareness, verbal boundary-setting and physical protection.
More inclusive, respectful fan cultures that engage all genders.
A drop in gender-based violence linked to match days, supported by tangible mindset and skill-set training.
Partner clubs become pioneers in safety and inclusion—generating loyalty, media recognition, and sponsor interest.
21% of professional female athletes have experienced sexual abuse as children in sport, almost double the rate of their male counterparts.
Global research from UNESCO and UN Women found that police reports of domestic violence rise by more than a third in some communities during major sporting events like the World Cup.
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.
Protect yourself. Support others. We can create a safer experience together — one match at a time. Download the free Fan Safety Toolkit packed with practical tips every supporter should know.
The Strong Side is proud to meet 6 Sustainable Development Goals
The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States. Learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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.
