How research in Bayreuth is strengthening violence prevention through 1. FC Nürnberg

When Barbara Lohrum talks about violence, she chooses her words carefully. "It is often only during adolescence that an understanding of the concept of violence develops, which makes it all the more important to break this taboo and lay the foundations for healthy interpersonal relationships as early as primary school age," she says. 

In her bachelor's thesis in sports economics at the University of Bayreuth – she is now continuing her studies at master's level – Lohrum examined the violence prevention project of 1. FC Nürnberg, which was developed in collaboration with the Bavarian Karate Federation and the Frederik and Luca Foundation. Her task was to scientifically examine the impact and theoretical basis of the project and to assess the social relevance of sports clubs. To this end, she analysed the written concept with the help of sports education literature on violence prevention and conducted interviews with the course instructors and a representative from the Community and Membership department (Hannes Orth) of 1. FCN. 

This provided a comprehensive picture of how prevention can work in practice and has the potential to be effective. "It's nice to see that the children are getting something out of it, that they are taking something away with them," says Lohrum. She was particularly impressed by how early the programme starts: "This means it becomes firmly anchored in the children's minds."

A course that empowers – scientifically proven 

"I have the feeling that FCN doesn't just want to pay lip service to this issue, but is genuinely committed to preventing violence in the long term," says Lohrum. The cooperation with the Frederik and Luca Foundation and the involvement of the Bavarian Karate Federation underline this commitment. The training of the coaches, the clear structure of the units and the low threshold for schools make the project sustainable and effective. FCN would like to implement the programme in even more primary schools in the Nuremberg region in the future.

The scientific perspective: Why such collaborations are important

The connection between research and practice is central to sports science. Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach, Chair of Social and Health Sciences in Sport and supervisor of the bachelor's thesis, emphasises the importance of such projects: "In order to solve social challenges, science, society and sports practice must work together. Only then can real added value be created by applying scientific findings directly to the lives of those affected, in this case children." Barbara Lohrum's work reflects precisely this interface. She shows that educational principles can be applied in sport to prevent violence and highlights the importance of sports clubs, especially football clubs, in society.

Violence prevention as a social responsibility

Violence is not an abstract topic – not even for children. A project such as that run by 1. FC Nürnberg raises awareness at an early age, strengthens personality and conveys the message that setting boundaries is not a sign of weakness. Lohrum's research highlights the importance of such work and shows that prevention must begin at an early age in order to be effective. Violence prevention requires concepts, people and research into the suitability and effectiveness of the concepts.