Soccer, safety and science: why evidence is key

This case study shows why even the best planned and resourced violence prevention programmes may not work.

Sports-based violence prevention programmes have broad appeal, including among police, policy makers and politicians. This policy brief presents a case study of the Eyethu Soccer League, a behavioural intervention that was carefully planned, implemented and evaluated – and yet did not achieve its aims. Findings caution against ‘easy wins’ and suggest that short-term skills-building programmes may struggle to solve structural challenges.

About the authors

Christina Laurenzi is a Researcher at the Institute for Life Course Health Research (ILCHR) at Stellenbosch University.

Mark Tomlinson is a Professor and Co-Director at ILCHR.

Zwelibanzi Skiti was the Intervention Manager for the Eyethu League and is part of the data collection and management team at ILCHR.

Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus is a Distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Global Center for Children and Families at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles.

Photo: James Walsh in collaboration with ILCHR