Keeping kids safe in sport

WHEN deciding on which sports club their child may join, a parent might find out how expensive sessions are, research a team’s success rate, or ask other families about their experiences with the club.

One area that can sometimes be overlooked is safeguarding, and that’s concerning.

It’s not uncommon for parents with children at sports clubs to say they have never received any safeguarding information and many admit to not actively seeking it out either.

Without it parents are less able to recognise and report abuse or risky behaviour within a sports setting, something which we now know is vital in terms of a holistic approach from adults in preventing abuse.

The NSPCC’S Parents in Sport Week (October 5-10) aims to highlight the important role parents play in youth sport, from helping to keep children safe, to encouraging them to take part and achieve.

We’re really grateful to Sam Warburton, Swansea City FC, Welsh Rugby League and Welsh Triathlon, who are all backing our campaign in Wales.

They’re helping us encourage parents to make an online commitment, pledging to choose a safe sports club for their children and ensure they encourage and support their children to take part in a positive way.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit thecpsu. org.uk/upcomingevents/ 2020- 10- 05-parents-in-sport-week/

LAURA WHAPHAM NSPCC’S Child Protection in Sport Senior Consultant (Wales)