We have released our 2025/2026 annual review, demonstrating progress in youth sports safeguarding across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As a specialised unit within the NSPCC, we work to put children and their welfare at the heart of sport and physical activity. This year's report highlights how we’re adapting to rising demand, system-wide collaboration, and online risks.
- We supported 732 sports organisations across the UK, which included grassroots clubs and unfunded groups.
The NSPCC safeguarding in sport 25/26 report
Our latest 25/26 report gives a snapshot of the delivery data, digital engagement, and partner feedback gathered between April 2025 and March 2026. It highlights our progress against the NSPCC's strategic 10-year goals to prevent child abuse, secure online spaces, and elevate young people’s voices in sport.
Originally founded in 2001 with a staff of four, we have expanded over our 25-year history into an expert team of 28. Today, we work with over 150 national governing bodies (NGBs), 42 Active Partnerships, and major sports institutions, such as the Premier League and the Olympics.
Strengthening UK sports safeguarding practices
This year we reviewed organisation's safeguarding practices using different methods based on things like previous safeguarding practice, risk to young people, size and work of organisation, current governance and structure. We focused time and effort on getting the foundations of safeguarding right, with a view that development would follow. Using a mix of desktop reviews, drop-in sessions and responsive action plan meetings helped clubs focus on changing culture rather than compliance.
Regional numbers
We tailored our support across nations based on the need of the funding bodies and organisations.
- England - 93 total organisations completed the new assurance process.
- Northern Ireland - handled 404 safeguarding enquiries and 83 formal case advice records; 35 funded sports met standards.
- Wales - conducted 45 Safeguarding Action Plan meetings, engaging 82% of regional sports partners.
We also expanded our specialised consultancy services, securing a contract with the England Football Association (The FA) to support its Safeguarding 365 approach.
Demand for online safety guidance rising in youth sports
Demand for digital safeguarding tools is rising in youth sports due to the increasing use of online apps, virtual platforms and artificial intelligence. To address these emerging risks, we published updated guidance covering artificial intelligence in youth sport, gender-based online abuse and digital risk assessments.
Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign
Our flagship sport safeguarding campaign supports families by delivering expert guidance and information that families can follow to support their child’s wellbeing and safety. This year it included videos, webinars, toolkits, and conversation prompts that aimed to empower parents to recognise and practice positive sideline behaviour and speak up about safety concerns.
The 2025/2026 campaign directly integrated youth insights by collaborating with The Collective, NSPCC’s platform for engaging youth voice. Lived experiences shaped the core messaging, reminding adult communities that safeguarding relies on communication and trust.
Following a high-profile martial arts incident, we launched a martial arts and combat sports parent survey, supported by Sport England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). While findings show 68% of parents feel highly confident in their club's safety structures, it revealed a clear demand for clearer guidance on concussion management, weight management, and supporting children in competitions.
To learn more, download the complete Safeguarding in sport: a year in review (2025-2026) report.