A groundbreaking programme which uses sport to engage young people as part of efforts to end violence against women and girls has been officially launched.
The six-week Fair Game programme aims to promote respect, equality and healthier relationships among young people. It was launched at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
The collaborative programme, created in partnership between the Irish Football Association Foundation, the charitable arm of the Irish FA, Women’s Aid Federation NI and the PSNI, represents a unique approach to education and prevention, and was made possible through funding obtained by councils from The Executive Office’s Local Change Fund.
The funding is provided by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Mid Ulster District Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
By bringing together the influence of sport with the goals of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework, the initiative hopes to challenge harmful attitudes and create safe environments for young people both on and off the pitch.
Initially running in 13 local football clubs and one post primary school across the six council areas, Fair Game is designed to support young people in developing the skills, understanding and confidence to build safe, respectful and healthy relationships.
Created by Women’s Aid, the sessions will be facilitated by Irish FA Foundation staff with buy-in at local club level to be rolled out to hundreds of young people in their communities.
Women’s Aid developed the concept of the programme through building on materials created by its SAY (Social Action Youth) project.
The project brought together a diverse group of young people aged 12-18 engaged in Women’s Aid services across Northern Ireland who are survivors of domestic abuse.
It provided a platform for young people to share their voices and have their say in safe and creative ways, resulting in the creation of several powerful tools, including the SAY healthy relationship website, which heavily informed the creation of Fair Game.
The PSNI will be delivering one of the six sessions, based on its Power to Change campaign, with the young people in the programme.
The Power to Change campaign urges men and boys to help play their part in affecting a cultural and societal shift through challenging attitudes and behaviours and providing them with the knowledge and skills to safely intervene when they see inappropriate actions or comments.
At the official launch of the Fair Game initiative, Patrick Nelson, CEO of the Irish Football Association, said: “Football has a unique voice and reach. By educating men and boys we can challenge harmful attitudes, promote respect and help ensure women and girls feel safe – in football and beyond.”
Sarah Mason MBE, CEO of Women’s Aid Federation NI, said: “Women’s Aid NI is thrilled to be part of this important initiative alongside our partners to help create a safer Northern Ireland.
"This programme is essential in supporting the vital prevention work needed to tackle violence against women and girls, by giving young people the tools to understand what healthy relationships look like, recognise the importance of respect and values, and empower them to become champions of change within their communities.
"Young people have always been drivers of progress, and this programme offers another way for them to help build a safer Northern Ireland for everyone.”
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “We are proud to be working alongside our key partners to support this exciting six-week youth-inspired programme.
“Developed with the goal of helping young people form positive relationships with sport and education, our aim is to help change attitudes and behaviours which unfortunately can often lead to violence against women and girls.
“We are really looking forward to delivering one of the six sessions, and meeting all of the young people involved. We hope this initiative will create worthwhile opportunities while promoting respect both on and off the pitch.
“Football is a wonderful game that involves working as a team, learning new techniques, and having strong communication skills. We trust this innovative new programme will help equip young people with the confidence and resilience they need in order to help create positive and lasting change across our local communities.”
Speaking at the launch, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is a priority for the Executive. We know prevention is key and that real change happens when people take action, which is why this initiative is so important.
“It will teach young people about healthy relationships in a way that means something to them. It will also provide them with an opportunity to think about what they can do to play their part, empowering them to become leaders of change in their sports clubs, homes and schools.”
Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said: “Every woman and every girl deserves to feel safe everywhere - at home, at work and in their communities.
“As an Executive we’re fully committed to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Through the Local Change Fund we are supporting initiatives like Fair Game that are already making a real-life difference. This funding is vital and it will help communities lead change from the ground up. I look forward to seeing the impact it will have.”
The initial rollout of the Fair Game programme began in October 2025 and will continue until March 2026.
For more information on the programme please visit: irishfa.com/irish-fa-foundation/community-volunteering/fair-game-programme
