Glasgow colleges team up to tackle gender-based violence at regional football tournament
07 June 2022
Glasgow college students took a stand against gender-based violence with a regional five-a-side football tournament.
Teams from Glasgow’s three colleges, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College and Glasgow Kelvin College, went head-to-head on the pitch and signed White Ribbon Scotland’s pledge to end violence against women.
The White Ribbon Scotland Cup was taken home by Team Clean Up from City of Glasgow College at the event, which was organised by the colleges’ student associations and supported by Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board.
Robert Scullion, Student Engagement Officer at City of Glasgow College, explained: “We wanted to get Glasgow’s colleges together with sport to support White Ribbon Scotland and tackle gender-based violence. This was an opportunity to teach young people the message that any type of violence against anybody isn’t tolerated. We have a responsibility to make sure people are aware of this type of campaign. It was a fantastic event and we hope to host more like this in future.”
Johanna Thompson, Student President at Glasgow Clyde College said: “Glasgow’s three colleges came together in association with White Ribbon Scotland to get as many people as possible to sign the pledge to say they won’t commit, condone or stay silent about gender-based violence. It’s been great to get everyone involved and to have Glasgow’s three colleges collaborate for this cause.”
Glasgow Kelvin College’s Student President, Lauren McLaren, added: “It's important for the colleges in Glasgow to feel connected and part of the student community. By collaborating there is an opportunity to tackle issues that face Glasgow's students and promote positive change. The regional football tournament was a brilliant opportunity for the three colleges in Glasgow to be involved in a competitive sporting event, feel part of the wider student community and learn about the important cause we are supporting. Nothing changes if it isn't challenged and by signing the pledge you are acknowledging and challenging the problem.”
Glasgow’s three colleges have been awarded White Ribbon status, which is given to organisations who demonstrate they have engaged in activities designed to educate men about violence against women and involve them in helping to bring this to an end.
Davy Thompson, Campaign Director for White Ribbon Scotland, said: “We’re pleased to be working with all three Glasgow colleges now in addressing violence against women. Events like the regional football tournament draw attention to the issues and raises awareness in a friendly, competitive way.”
The event was hosted at PowerLeague Glasgow on 26 May 2022 and featured a climbing wall alongside the football tournament. White Ribbon Scotland were welcomed on the day along with charity organisations who offer support services to students, including Action for Children, Disability Sport Glasgow, Emily Test and Financially Included.
Martin Boyle, Executive Director of Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board, said: “We want to thank Glasgow’s three colleges and everyone involved in organising, supporting and participating in this fantastic collaborative event, in support of a very important cause.”
To find out more about White Ribbon Scotland, visit: https://www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk/.