The Irish FA Foundation’s Fair Game programme is making a positive impact in efforts to end violence against women and girls across Northern Ireland.
Launched in November last year and delivered in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Women’s Aid, the pioneering six-week initiative uses football environments to engage young men in conversations around respect, healthy relationships, accountability and positive masculinity.
Community Engagement Manager, Mark Dennison, said:
“The programme has provided a trusted space where participants can discuss challenging issues openly, with coaches and facilitators reporting noticeable shifts in attitudes and behaviours.
“Many of the young men involved demonstrated a greater willingness to challenge harmful stereotypes, call out disrespectful behaviour and recognise their role in creating positive change within their clubs and communities.
“Participants also showed increased confidence in discussing issues affecting women and girls, alongside improved understanding of empathy, allyship and personal responsibility.”
A key factor in the programme’s success has been the collaboration between the Irish FA Foundation, PSNI and Women’s Aid.
“PSNI officers have brought valuable insight into the realities and consequences of domestic and gender-based violence,” added Community Engagement Officer, Nadene Murphy.
“In tandem Women’s Aid have ensured sessions remained grounded in the experiences of women and girls through specialist knowledge and lived experiences.
The three organisations have created an engaging and familiar environment, helping participants connect the programme’s messages to the values of teamwork, respect and responsibility already central to the game.
“This is a great demonstration of how sport, policing and specialist support services can work in partnership to help tackle violence against women and girls and encourage lasting cultural change,” said Dennison.
