Football is more than just a game; it’s a movement, a community, and a shared passion that unites millions. But to truly thrive, the game must be safe for everyone—on and off the field. The Strong Side is designed to empower clubs, athletes, and fans alike by implementing Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) programs that build resilience, enhance safety, and create a culture of respect. When the whole team plays for safety, we all win.
The Strong Side is a comprehensive Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) program designed for football. It equips athletes, coaches, staff, security personnel, journalists, instructors, and fans with the skills to create a safer and more respectful environment through verbal and physical de-escalation, self-defense strategies, and proactive safety measures.
Gameday Violence spikes are a well-documented phenomenon of sporting events, creating unsafe environments for the fans in the stadiums and, too often, their families at home. the Strong Side promotes Violence Prevention and an end to Gender-based Violence related to match-days through daily interaction and training at every level of a Club’s home community. When we are all safe, we all win.
Fans are the heartbeat of football, creating the electric atmosphere that makes the game powerful and emotional. But feeling unsafe in stadiums can prevent many from fully enjoying the experience. By learning de-escalation techniques, exit strategies, and self-defense methods, fans can reclaim their space in the stands and contribute to a culture of safety and respect. When fans feel secure, they cheer louder, stay longer, and make football stadiums the inclusive, passionate environments they are meant to be.
Build mental toughness and gain the tools to handle high-pressure situations both on and off the field. They will learn how to manage stress, recover emotionally, and protect themselves from potential dangers such as stalkers, aggressive fans, or abusive coaching.
Create a safe and supportive training environment where athletes can thrive. Coaches will develop skills to foster confidence, establish boundaries, and ensure their leadership approach is free from harmful or abusive practices.
Play a key role in maintaining a safe and respectful workplace. Staff will be trained in risk assessment, workplace safety strategies, and proactive policies to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Be at the forefront of stadium safety, ensuring that fans, players, and staff are protected. Training will focus on conflict de-escalation, emergency response, and effective strategies to maintain a secure and welcoming game-day atmosphere.
Safeguard themselves in unpredictable environments while covering events. Training will focus on situational awareness, stress management, and personal safety tactics to navigate potential risks in sports reporting.
Lead the way in promoting safety within football culture. By specializing in security and violence prevention techniques, instructors become valuable educators in fostering a safer sporting environment.
A scalable, all-in-one platform for improving personal well–being and safety, with the goal of eliminating interpersonal and gender-based violence. MyPwr makes the transformative power of ESD accessible to large numbers, creating safer communities and sparking a broader cultural shift.
ASSERT Empowerment focuses on providing Empowerment Self Defense education to communities offering wide range of trainings such as child-friendly ESD classes, high risk conflict non-violent de-escalation and home/work-place defense to edged weapons defense, firearms safety training, and firearms and weapon defensive tactics
PAVE Prevention is a social enterprise that offers guidance, education, training, and advice to companies, their employees, and the communities they operate within to proactively prevent, react, and heal from violent events.
Violence in football won’t end on its own. Will your club be a leader in safety, respect, and real change?
Clubs can participate at different levels, ranging from basic awareness initiatives to full-scale implementation of The Strong Side across all departments. This flexible approach ensures that clubs of all sizes can actively contribute to a safer football culture while aligning with their resources and commitment levels.
By implementing The Strong Side, clubs take a proactive stance against violence and harassment, making football a sport where everyone can thrive—on and off the field.
