Top footballers, Gladiators star, an international swimmer and national sports governing bodies back NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week
Figures from across the sporting world have come together to support the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week (6–12 October 2025).
Led by the NSPCC and their Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), the year-round campaign calls on parents and carers to think about how they support their children in sport – before, during and after activities – and to have open conversations about what kind of encouragement helps young people thrive.
Premier League icon and football pundit Alan Shearer, England rugby sevens player and Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley (known as Fury on the primetime BBC show), international swimmer Michael Gunning, Newcastle United forward Shania Hayles, and national governing bodies including British Judo, British Volleyball and British Triathlon are backing the campaign.
In 2024/25, the NSPCC Helpline received 623 contacts from adults across the UK with concerns about a child’s welfare in a sports setting, up from 425 the previous year.
With more than five million children and young people regularly involved in sport outside of school, the NSPCC believes it is vital that parents, coaches and clubs work together to make every environment safe and positive.
At the heart of Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week is a new video, launching on 6 October, which features British children and parents discussing what kind of support makes the biggest difference. Parents and carers can also download a set of conversation starter questions to help them talk with their children about what they value most in sport.
Alan Shearer said: “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. 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.”
Jodie Ounsley, England rugby sevens player, said: “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.”
International swimmer Michael Gunning said: “Sport is about joy, resilience and friendships. Parents and carers are such an important part of that journey. By talking to your child and understanding what support means to them, you’re helping them feel safe and confident, no matter the result.”
Newcastle United forward, Shania Hayles, said: “The encouragement I had from my family growing up made all the difference – not just in performance, but in how much I loved the game. Listening to children and supporting them in the right way helps them flourish on and off the pitch.”
Sports governing bodies, British Judo, British Volleyball and British Triathlon, are promoting the campaign to their clubs and members, and encouraging coaches and welfare officers to use the NSPCC’s Play Your Part toolkit, which contains posters, wallet cards, videos and guides to help parents talk with their children about what makes them feel supported.
Rachael Barker, Head of the CPSU, added: “The part a parent plays in their child’s sport can shape how they feel about themselves and their sport for years to come. This campaign gives parents the confidence to start conversations with their children, to listen, and to keep sport fun, respectful and safe.”
The campaign is also accompanied by Lifelong Play; a new poem being shared by athletes and ambassadors across social media highlighting the importance of parental encouragement.
The NSPCC is also offering guidance to parents on how to choose a suitable sport or activity club for their children (see Notes to Editor), and hopes that by making these tools widely available, families will find it easier to focus on encouragement, respect and fun rather than results or pressure.
To find out more about Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport, go to thecpsu.org.uk/keepingyourchildsafeinsport, and parents can take part in a free e-learning course at any time at thecpsu.org.uk/parents
