Kicking it out- Kicking Racism and Violence out of the Soccer Field

Background

 The "Kicking Racism and Violence Out of Soccer" program was founded in the early 2000s in response to growing incidents of racism, violence, and intolerance within Israeli soccer stadiums. The program’s inception stemmed from a journalist’s shocking documentation of extreme behavior at a Beitar Jerusalem game, which brought national and international attention to the issue. Supported by FIFA and the Israel Soccer Association (IFA), the program transitioned to Givat Haviva in July 2024 to expand its educational scope and deepen its work in fostering a Shared Society.

The program emphasizes soccer’s unique ability to unite diverse communities, showcasing shared living between Jewish and Arab players and fans. While the sport has often reflected societal divisions, it also offers a platform for fostering mutual respect and cooperation.

Need 

Racism, violence, and intolerance remain persistent issues in Israeli soccer, both on and off the field. These behaviors are exacerbated by heightened societal tensions, since the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war. Without targeted interventions, soccer stadiums risk becoming arenas of division rather than unity.

Educational systems and sports organizations often lack the tools to address these challenges effectively. There is a critical need for programs that promote tolerance, respect, and positive sportsmanship to reduce violence and foster inclusion. By addressing these issues through education and public campaigns, the program aims to create safer, more inclusive environments for players and fans alike.

Target Audience

The program targets multiple stakeholders, including:

  • Fans and Spectators: Raising awareness and encouraging behavioral change.
  • Youth Coaches and Soccer Club Staff: Training on fostering inclusivity and conflict management.
  • School Educators: Providing tools to combat racism and violence among students.
  • Students: Engaging Jewish and Arab youth in joint activities to promote mutual respect.
  • Soccer Professionals: Equipping referees, players, and officials with skills to address incidents of racism and violence.

Goals and Objectives

The goal is to create a safe, inclusive environment in stadiums and sports centers, which will foster a shared society at sports events and in the general community.

Objectives: 

  1. Reduce incidents of racism and violence in soccer stadiums to create safe and welcoming environments.
  2. Equip professionals in the sports industry with the tools to promote positive sportsmanship.
  3. Foster understanding and tolerance between Jewish and Arab communities through joint educational activities.
  4. Build a network of advocates within the soccer community committed to eradicating racism and violence.

Activities

  1. Observers Program: Deploy 40 trained volunteers as observers at soccer games to document incidents of racism and violence. The reports are used to inform policy and public awareness. Observers attend three training seminars each year, featuring lectures and skill-building sessions.
  2. Educational Workshops:
  • Train 60 youth coaches, 60 referees, and 30 physical education teachers on promoting sportsmanship and addressing racism.
  • Conduct five bi-national workshops for staff on youth teams focused on tolerance and respect.
  • Facilitate joint activities between Jewish and Arab schools centered on soccer and shared values.
  1. Public Campaigns:
  • Launch awareness campaigns tailored to Arab and Jewish communities, emphasizing anti-racism and anti-violence messages.
  • Host an annual conference to convene stakeholders and discuss solutions.
  1. Advocacy and Policy Work:
  • Collaborate with the IFA to strengthen policies against racism and violence.
  • Engage policymakers to improve enforcement and public accountability.

Challenges

Emotional Nature of Soccer: Soccer's inherent passion and competitiveness often amplify tensions, making it difficult to shift fan behavior. To address this, the Kicking it Out (KIO) program leverages its Fair Play model to instill values of respect and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Through targeted workshops, community engagement initiatives, and collaboration with soccer clubs, the program creates a culture where passion for the sport becomes a unifying force rather than a divisive one.

Societal Divisions: The broader societal conflicts in Israel inevitably influence the dynamics within soccer, mirroring the divides seen in the wider community. Recognizing this, KIO implements educational programs and public campaigns that foster dialogue and understanding among fans, players, and club officials. By working with key stakeholders and hosting events like the Fair Play Conference, the program promotes systemic change that extends beyond the stadiums, encouraging a shared commitment to tolerance and inclusion.

The "Kicking Racism and Violence Out of Soccer" program leverages the power of sport to address critical societal challenges. By fostering tolerance, respect, and cooperation, the program aims to transform soccer stadiums into spaces of unity and shared society. Givat Haviva’s educational expertise and long-standing commitment to social cohesion make it uniquely positioned to lead this initiative. Support for this program will not only improve the culture of Israeli soccer but also contribute to broader efforts toward a more inclusive society.