Football and sport

Sport occupies a central place in UK culture, with athletes and coaches acting as powerful role models – especially for young men. In this way, sport can play a critical part in the prevention of violence against women and girls. However, in male-dominated sports in particular, so called ‘locker room’ banter has often reinforced the attitudes and beliefs which normalise violence and abuse. Meanwhile, the strong group cultures which make sports clubs so appealing, can inhibit bystanders from speaking up – as we have seen in some of the high profile failings of safeguarding in sport.

Sport then provides both a challenge and a great opportunity to lead positive change.

A system-based approach, with a focus on prevention

For sporting cultures to promote healthy relationships and challenge harmful behaviours, everyone has to be on board.

This means we have training designed for each level of an organisation. In our work in Premier League football for example, we will work with first team players, coaches and managers, support professionals (like physiotherapists), academy teams, and staff in organisational roles (such as HR), through to the Board of Directors.

For sporting organisations, Kindling Interventions’ offers include:

  • Football Onside® (6 hours)
  • Bystander at Work® (4 hours)
  • Stepping up to Prevent Sexual Harassment at work (eLearing, online or in-person)
  • Healthy Relationships and Safeguarding (1-2 hours)
  • Bespoke training

Football Onside®

Football Onside® is the UK’s first evidence-led bystander intervention programme for the prevention of violence against women and girls through sport.

The training equips sporting professionals to be positive role models – people who can intervene safely and effectively when they witness unacceptable behaviours. These could be as conventional as demeaning ‘locker room banter’. Football Onside® also trains participants to better notice risk, safely receive disclosures, and refer appropriately.

Developing and analysing Football Onside®

Football Onside® was first developed by experts from the University of Exeter Law School in collaboration with Exeter CITY Community Trust and supported by partners Public Health England, Devon County Council, Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, Hollie Gazzard Trust and Plymouth Argyle FC.

A 2024 study by Dr Anastasiia Kovalenko and Professor Rachel Fenton was published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. The research shows how specialist training helps change attitudes. Authors demonstrated how coaches can be positive role models who promote respectful attitudes and actions towards women.

Our programmes

Harnessing multiple training methods and strong group identities to effect positive change across higher education settings.
Helping organisations drive equity and diversity and prevent sexual harassment via active bystander training designed specifically for your workplace.

Sports organisations

Training athletes, role models, support staff, and organisational leaders to challenge gender inequalities and prevent sexual harassment at work.

Communities

Preventing violence and abuse in community settings – with the UK’s first evidence-led community intervention programme.

Trusted to deliver by...

I continue to be impressed by the feedback about the course, the fact that every delegate so far has commented that everyone should receive this training is testament to how impactful it is.
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
"Kindling were highly responsive and collaborative throughout the process, adapting the course materials thoughtfully to reflect the needs and lived experience of our students."
Dr Sammy C.H. Li
Assistant Director of Student Affairs (Postgraduate and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), University of Birmingham
"I strongly encourage all organisations in Wales to make full use of this opportunity. Together, we can create safer, more supportive environments for everyone in Wales."
Jane Hutt MS
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
"I really enjoyed the session, and the tools are simplified, easily outlined and practical for use. Thank you very much." “I feel empowered and like you turned up the volume on my voice” “I am recommending this training to be provided to everyone. This is very important in everyone's life, and across the organisation”
Mining Company in Southern Africa
Attendees of Bystander Intervention training
“The most insightful learning I've ever been engaged in.” “An excellent course which should be mandatory for all men and boys."
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
Male attendees of the Active Bystander Project
“The ‘Bystander at Work’ training created a safe space for staff to explore behaviours and gave useful strategies to challenge unacceptable behaviour, especially microaggressions.”
Claire Buchanan
Chief People Officer, University of Bristol
“The training was delivered by knowledgeable and expert colleagues who encouraged participation around a sensitive subject. As a civil servant with over 30 years’ experience, the training was refreshing and made me appreciate that I am still learning.”
Public Health England
Deputy Director
“I congratulate the University of Exeter Law School and Public Health England on this endeavour. I would enthusiastically recommend that other universities and organisations take on bystander projects.”
Dame Vera Baird QC
Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales
"The training was excellent: first-class presenters, good use of technology and brilliant material to reflect on.” "If all staff had bystander training, I think this would have a massive effect on workplace culture as the norms would shift.”
Public Health England
Bystander at Work Training Feedback
“Bystander intervention offers an important tool for people and communities to challenge thinking, behaviour and attitudes at an early stage. I think it can also teach us about being better, kinder and more informed citizens, and personally has given me tools and knowledge to be a better father, partner, colleague and friend.”
Simon Kitchen
Head of Communities, Devon County Council