The 6th-12th October marks Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, a campaign created to help parents support their children’s journey in sport, wherever it may lead.
Originally launched in October 2016, the annual event is led by the NSPCC and their Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU). However, multiple well-known names have also pledged their support for this year’s campaign, including England footballer Alan Shearer, Gladiators star and England ruby sevens player Jodie Ounsley and international swimmer Michael Gunning.
Likewise, national governing bodies such as British Judo, British Volleyball and British Triathlon have associated themselves with the awareness week.
To give context into how needed the campaign is, new figures from the NSPCC show in 2024-24 the charity’s Helpline received 623 contacts from adults concerned about a child’s welfare in a sporting context, which is a significant jump from the 425 received the previous year. What’s more, it is currently estimated that over five million children in the UK regularly take part in sport outside of school.
Against this backdrop, the NSPCC have launched a new video, which can be viewed here, that showcases children and parents talking about the kinds of support that have the greatest impact. Clubs are also being encouraged to use the NSPCC’s Play Your Part toolkit, a suite of free resources designed to promote child welfare in sport.
‘As parents and carers, the way we support children in sport has a huge impact – not just on how they see the game, but on how they see themselves,’ Alan Shearer said. ‘It’s less about the scoreline and more about making sure they enjoy taking part, feel respected, and know we’re proud of their effort. I’d encourage families to watch the new NSPCC video and explore the simple resources available.’
Echoing a similar tone, Jodie Ounsley added: ‘I know how important it was for me to have my parents’ backing, not pressure. I want every child to feel safe, respected and encouraged to enjoy their sport. This campaign is a brilliant reminder that a parent’s role is about so much more than cheering from the sidelines.’
Alongside a new video being produced, a new narrative lyric poem titled LifeLong Play is also being shared by athletes and ambassadors of the awareness campaign online. One verse of the prose reads: ‘Not trophies high nor medals bright, but strength that shapes through sweat and tears. The grit to stand, the grace to try, courage and friendships through the years.’
‘The part a parent plays in their child’s sport can shape how they feel about themselves and their sport for years to come,’ Rachael Barker, Head of CPSU, said. ‘This campaign gives parents the confidence to start conversations with their children, to listen, and to keep sport fun, respectful and safe.’
Images via Shutterstock
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