Why parental engagement matters in youth sport
As part of Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week 2025, we were proud to host an insightful webinar led by Gordon MacLelland, CEO of Working with Parents in Sport. This session explored the powerful impact of parental engagement in shaping positive sporting experiences for young people.
Gordon shared practical strategies and real-world examples on how coaches and organisations can engage with parents and carers to build supportive, aligned environments that put the child's character development, emotional wellbeing, and long-term enjoyment in sport first.
Key takeaways
- Parental engagement is more than just showing up — it’s about modelling values, managing expectations, and supporting children through the highs and lows of their sporting journey.
- A strong parent-coach partnership fosters consistency, trust, and a shared vision for youth development.
- Organisations play a vital role in empowering coaches to work confidently with parents and in cultivating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
As Gordon reminded us: “In most cases, parents and caregivers are the biggest influence in young people’s early sporting journeys. Everyone has a role to play in creating the best environments, and alignment between organisations, coaches, parents, and young people should never be underestimated.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Let’s continue working together to create safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces for children to thrive in sport.