Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used more in youth sports. Any AI platform that uses children’s data (from their body movements to their date of birth) needs strong governance. That’s why we’ve been working on a new, evidence-based and practical guide for sports organisations to help them use AI responsibly in their organisations.
AI is increasingly being used across the sport sector to enhance coaching, streamline operations and support athlete development.
According to Sport England and ukactive’s Digital Futures 2024 report, AI use in sport has risen by 3% since 2023.
But with opportunity comes responsibility. AI that uses children’s data (from their body movements to their date of birth) needs strong governance. The risks are real and include privacy breaches, inaccurate predictions, bias, and unsafe digital communication.
That’s why we’ve been working on a new, evidence-based and practical guide for national governing bodies, clubs and academies, due to be released soon. This guidance will explain what AI is, why it’s useful, the risks involved, and how to use it more safely and fairly to provide a safe and fun sporting experience for all children and young people.
Here are the core principles at the heart of it.
Be clear about why you’re using AI
Start with purpose. Choose AI only when it enhances coaching, learning or safety for young people.
Put children’s rights and privacy first
For any tool that processes children’s data, organisations must follow UK GDPR, ICO guidance and the Children’s Code. Biometric data needs tougher governance.
Don’t adopt AI without a proper DPIA
A Data Protection Impact Assessment helps you spot risks early, including bias, unfair assumptions, or unnecessary data use.
Keep humans firmly in control
AI can support but must never make decisions that affect a young person. Experienced and responsible adults stay in charge.
Train your staff to use AI safely
Most problems arise from human misunderstandings about how it works or what data can be shared. Make sure your staff are confident in using AI responsibly.
Strengthen supplier checks
Before buying any digital tool, ask suppliers about data storage, bias testing, training data sources, and whether your data will be used to train future AI models.
Be open with parents and young people
Families should know why AI is used, what data it relies on, and that they have choice to opt out of non‑essential features.
The guidance will also include practical resources including policies, code of conduct wording, real-world examples and parent and carer information, so you can start using the guidance straight away.
When used responsibly, AI can support coaching, admin efficiency and learning, but children’s rights, safety and wellbeing must always come first.
In the meantime, take a look at our information and guidance on other aspects of online safety in sport and our new digital app checking tool.
FAQs
What is AI?
AI describes a range of techniques that enable computers to recognise patterns, make predictions, or create content. It is already used across the UK sports sector to analyse videos, support coaching, improve admin and help with communication.
What is AI being used for in sport?
AI use in youth sports might include access to insight through automated video, coaching support and session‑planning, performance and athlete care, training suggestions as well as player and family communication.
For example, the UK Sports Institute works with Olympic and Paralympic sports to standardise the capture, structure, and governance of performance data.
How does data protection in sport work with AI?
For any tool that processes children’s data, organisations must follow UK GDPR, ICO guidance and the Children’s Code. Biometric data needs tougher governance.
Personal data could be the child’s name, age, training records, match statistics, log in schedule, statistics from wearables, and reports from coaches. Biometric data could be a child’s face or body scan, wearables that map technique, voice recognition, and fingerprints.
What are the risks with using AI in sport?
The main risks that organisations need to be aware of when choosing to use AI with children include: inappropriate or uncontrolled use of personal or sensitive data, platforms that don’t adhere to data protection legislation, bias in outcomes or content, inaccuracy of information or recommendations, online safety harms and human errors.