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'Differentiation' is identified as a key category, and an empirical system of differentiation is developed. The key category is divided into two subcategories, which are further dimensionalized. The analysis finds that highly identified fans differentiate themselves from other fans (both from their own club and from rival clubs) and strive for positive distinction. Violent acts as extreme forms of differentiation are identity-establishing for some of these fans. Confrontations with rival fans are actively sought to extend team competitions concerning the best support into a physical and violent plane and to enforce territorial claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Differentiation' is identified as a key category, and an empirical system of differentiation is developed. The key category is divided into two subcategories, which are further dimensionalized. The analysis finds that highly identified fans differentiate themselves from other fans (both from their own club and from rival clubs) and strive for positive distinction. Violent acts as extreme forms of differentiation are identity-establishing for some of these fans. Confrontations with rival fans are actively sought to extend team competitions concerning the best support into a physical and violent plane and to enforce territorial claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores socio-educational fan work in Germany, focusing on the part played by fan projects in preventing football-related violence. It supplies an overview of the German model of repression and prevention since its beginnings in the 1990s. The work of fan projects in Germany is institutionalized under German social law. The article outlines the theoretical concepts of socio-educational work on which the fan projects are based and shows that fan projects play an important role in mediating the conflict interactions between clubs, fans and police. Insights into difficulties and conflicts are debated. Although fan projects are very successful, a systematic evaluation is lacking. Advantages, pitfalls and future prospects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]