A ground-breaking collaboration have come together in Nottingham to send a powerful message at the start of the FIFA Men’s World Cup that Domestic Abuse and violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.

Notts FA, Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP) and White Ribbon UK talked to guests from across the football community at the home of Nottingham Forest on 22 November about ways we can engage with men and boys to end violence against women and girls.  

In September 2022, Nottinghamshire FA named local Domestic Abuse charity, Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP) as its Charity of the Year. Since then, as well as working with Notts FA to embed a Domestic Abuse Policy, BWP have supported Notts FA in its work to gain White Ribbon Accreditation. 

To acknowledge the start of the FIFA Men’s World Cup, Notts FA and BWP invited White Ribbon UK to the home of premiership side, Nottingham Forest, to talk about the opportunity football provides to engage men and boys with the White Ribbon Pledge. This year’s campaign, #thegoal highlights 11 traits men and boys can nurture to help create a world of equality and safety for women. 

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said "White Ribbon Day falling at the same time as the FIFA Men's World Cup gives the opportunity to reach many thousands of men and share a positive message that they can help end violence against women. 

“We are delighted to have the support of our partners in Nottinghamshire, and namely Broxtowe Women's Project, Nottingham Forest FC and Nottinghamshire FA. together, we are all working towards #TheGoal of changing harmful cultures around men and sport so that together we can end violence against women once and for all."

BWP’s CEO, Colette Byrne, said: “Teaming up with Notts FA and White Ribbon UK during the World Cup gives us an unrivalled opportunity to engage with families across Nottinghamshire, and beyond. The White Ribbon campaign is all about speaking up, and challenging things that are said and things that are done. 

“There seems no better time, and way to engage men and boys to do this than through a game that is loved so much.” 

 Notts FA CEO, Elaine Oram, said: Nottinghamshire FA are delighted to have recently announced Broxtowe Women’s Project as our Charity of the Year. The aim is to raise awareness and send a strong message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated. 

“We have the potential to reach thousands of participants involved in football and we believe we can really make a difference locally and spread the message to encourage people to take the White Ribbon promise and support #TheGoal.”