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Saints show support for White Ribbon campaign

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Southampton FC is backing the campaign to end violence against women and girls, with Saints Foundation using new funding to deliver an educational programme to men and boys.

The club and its charity, Saints Foundation, are proud to join with local sports clubs and associations in Hampshire to support the White Ribbon promise – to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

First team player Shane Long has spoken out in a video to encourage others to make the promise, with players and coaching staff wearing White Ribbons at the training ground ahead of the game against Brighton last weekend.

The collective show of support has been coordinated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones. Local sporting organisations, including Hampshire FA, Hampshire Cricket and Hampshire Rugby Union, have come together to promote the White Ribbon campaign, which began on 25th November and is being followed by 16 days of support and action.

Saints Foundation has also received funding from the Home Office to use education in schools to tackle and prevent future violence against women and girls. These workshops will be rolled out in schools across Southampton in early 2022, in partnership with Yellow Door, Southampton City Council and the Violence Reduction Unit.

Greg Baker, Head of Saints Foundation and Community Partnerships, said: “Southampton Football Club is proud to support White Ribbon Day, and back the campaign to end male violence against women.

“As a club rooted in its local community through Saints Foundation, we are keen to use our unique position to shine a light on this important issue, including delivering awareness sessions for boys within local primary schools.”

Find out more about the White Ribbon campaign by clicking here.