11/3/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Soccer.
Whether you are participating in a scrimmage, a youth soccer game, or the Premier League, soccer players grab their cleats, strap on their shin guards, and get into formation—devotedly practicing those PKs, headers, and corner kicks to get that quality first touch on the ball. Forwards or strikers show off their fancy footwork and speed, aspiring for that hat trick and avoiding getting caught offsides. Midfielders and defenders display their fortitude and strategy in helping the goalie protect the net. When we protect our soccer players, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Soccer Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Soccer has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Team environments can be potential havens for peer-on-peer abuse, hazing, and bullying. These behaviors are often encouraged, minimized, or normalized rather than taken seriously.
- In close team environments like soccer, socialized misogyny, or ”locker room talk,” may be accepted as a norm. Treating this as a norm can cause athletes and coaches to disregard consent.
- Soccer often requires frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
10/28/2026
Ex-Dortmund worker probed over six alleged abuse cases but 23 dropped
10/27/2026
Wayne County soccer coach stepping away after suspension over alleged relationship, parents say
10/27/2026
Irish soccer vows ‘zero tolerance’ after alleged racist abuse at England game
11/2/2026
Meta Is Refusing to Remove AI-Generated Videos of Coaches Inappropriately Touching Young Athletes When Users Report Them
11/2/2026
Coach who sent teen 'inappropriate' Facebook messages banned from working with kids
10/29/2026
NCAA takes aim at online abusers threatening student-athletes through newly established Bad Actor Program
10/29/2026
Former McKinney ISD athletic trainer sentenced to 5 years for sexually assaulting student, prosecutors say
Soccer Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Safeguarding, Governing Bodies, and Coaching within Soccer.
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7 Steps to Teaching Youth Athletes To Respect Umpires and Referees
Coaching
Gain an understanding of the importance of respecting umpires and referees.
Concussion in Soccer Resources
Governing Bodies
Learn about concussion symptoms, protocol, and prevention in soccer.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
FIFPRO: Football Players Worldwide
Safeguarding
Access information about national player unions and athlete rights, welfare, and working conditions worldwide.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
View Crisis Resources
