Gives support to defenders (5)
I believe the answer is:
backs
'to defenders' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for backs that I've seen before include "delightful Cambridge area" , "champions" , "Levy of money" , "Defensive players" , "Gives support or one's blessing to" .)