We have backed an NSPCC campaign to raise awareness of safeguarding standards in UK sports clubs and improve safety measures.

New research found less than four in ten parents* actively sought to understand the safeguarding procedures of their local sports/ leisure clubs before signing their child up to take part in practice sessions, matches and competitions.

An online YouGov survey*, conducted on behalf of the NSPCC showed that 38% of parents actively tried to find out whether basic safety measures were in place before allowing their child to join a club.

Further cause for concern is that 38% of parents* said they had either never received or could not recall whether they had been sent any information about safeguarding measures by their child’s sports/ leisure club once they were a member.

Tackling these issues and encouraging positive parental involvement in youth sports is the aim of the NSPCC’s ‘Parents In Sport Week’, which launches today (Oct 5).

We join Premier League clubs Liverpool and Everton, former Lions captain Sam Warburton and sports presenter Charlie Webster, in supporting the annual event, which also calls on parents to make ‘The Sports Parents Promise’ – an online commitment which helps them choose a safer club for their children.

‘The Sports Parents Promise’ also encourages parents to be a positive influence when watching their child’s games from the side lines.
Sandra Redhead, Designated Safeguarding Manager at the Sussex County FA, said: “Parents play a fundamental role in involving their children in sport and the sacrifices they make in order to allow their children to partake, such as giving up time or standing in the pouring rain to support their child, often go unnoticed. We thank you for this. 

“We look to work with the parents to ensure that safeguards are fully embedded in football clubs and events that their children attend. Parents are often those first eyes and ears to notice concerns and by working together we can provide those essential safeguards to keep children safe from harm.”
MAKE THE SPORTS PARENTS PROMISE

Michelle North, Director of the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, said: “Sport is a huge part of childhood with many young people spending countless happy hours practicing and playing and making new friends.

“Checking on a club’s safeguarding procedures before signing up will give parents the peace of mind that their child is in a safe and secure environment.   

“That’s why we’re encouraging parents and sports clubs across the country to make our Sports Parents Promise, because it’s essential that everyone plays their part in protecting children and help make every sporting experience a positive one”

Every sports club and activity provider should have a welfare or safeguarding officer as well as a safeguarding policy and the NSPCC is encouraging every parent to find out who to contact in their children’s sport if they have any questions or concerns.

To keep up to date with the latest news from the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, follow @TheCPSU on Twitter. To support the NSPCC’s Parents In Sport week on social media, follow the campaign using #ParentsInSportWeek2020.

For further information about Parents in Sport Week please contact:

Child Protection in Sport Unit
E: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk