LALIGA and its clubs, together with strategic partners and associates, are fighting against all forms of violent behaviour which promote hatred, including racism, homophobia and bullying, among others.
Aware of the transformative power of football and of joining forces, LALIGA and its clubs have decided to stand together to tackle these problems through education, prevention and action.
LALIGA is striving to build a better society through the values of football, such as respect, tolerance and inclusion in all situations. To support this mission, the LALIGA VS initiative was launched in the 2023/24 season, with this project becoming the basis for actions aimed at eradicating hatred inside and outside of football.
LALIGA VS BULLYING
Bullying refers to a child’s exposure to repeated physical, verbal or psychological abuse by his or her peers in a school environment. It affects one in four pupils in Spain, according to the Spanish Association for the Prevention of School Bullying (AEPAE).
Similarly, according to the State Study of School Coexistence in Primary Education, carried out by the Ministry of Education, only 10% of students who witness bullying stand up to the perpetrator. In this context, LALIGA is aware of the unique power football has in uniting and empowering people.
This Saturday November 2nd marks the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, so this is a good time to remember that LALIGA has this season launched a new action line as part of LALIGA VS, with this called LALIGA VS BULLYING. Under the concept of “a team doesn’t let anyone stand alone”, LALIGA is using the collective spirit of sport and the power of football to help change the situation.
Through the core values of football, such as team spirit, unity, collective strength and sportsmanship, children are being urged not to be passive observers of bullying, but to unite and confront the problem by demonstrating that together they have the power to reduce cases of bullying by supporting the victims.
During Matchdays 6 of LALIGA EA SPORTS and Matchday 7 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, which coincided with the start of the school year in Spain, the clubs and LALIGA carried out various actions to promote this campaign, both inside stadiums and also on broadcasts and other digital media.
Futura Afición
In addition to the general campaign, LALIGA will organise various actions throughout the season with the support of FUNDACIÓN LALIGA, which for years has been transmitting the positive values of sport in schools throughout Spain through its project called Futura Afición – Future Fans, in English.
The first of these actions took place in the municipality of Boadilla del Monte, in Madrid, when Atlético de Madrid defender César Azpilicueta and LALIGA spokespersons visited a school to talk with students about bullying, emphasising the importance of companionship and empathy. LALIGA and FUNDACIÓN LALIGA will organise five more similar events in schools in other Spanish cities throughout the season.
