Asking parents to play their part
The part a parent plays in their child’s sport can have a big impact on their child’s wellbeing and how they feel about sport.
This year’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Campaign runs from 6-12 October 2025 and we’re asking sports parents to play their part and talk to their children about how they can bring out their best through positive actions and support.
Add this event to your Outlook calendar and start planning how you will join the campaign.
- What we're asking parents to do
- What we're asking sport organisations to do
- How we're supporting you to work with parents
- Why parents are important
Helping parents bring out the best in their child
We want sports parents to consider how they show support before, during and after sport. We’ll be asking parents to:
- watch a video to hear real children and parents discuss which parent actions matters most and why these actions can bring out their best
- download questions to help them start conversations with their own child about the kind of support that works for them
- talk to their child about what they can do to help them bring out their best
To be released on 6 October.
What can you do for Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week 2025?
We want all sports clubs, activity organisations and schools to help us get this message out to parents through their own communication channels. Below we will provide you with resources and tools to do this. You can adapt some of these resources so that the messages speak to your parents and carers.
We’re asking organisations to:
- add the campaign to their marketing and communications calendars
- download and read our Partner Activation Pack (available in September)
- share our social media graphics, videos and copy in the run up to and during Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week 6-12 October (available in September)
- share a link to our Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport parents' page so that they can watch our video and download our questions
- promote and use our posters, wallet cards, conversation prompts and parent guides in your organisation (available in September)
Helping organisations to work with parents
We know that working with parents and carers can be challenging, and that’s why we are also giving you resources to support you during this activation week and beyond.
Webinar: building a positive parent culture in sport with Gordon MacLelland
Thursday 9 October 7:30pm on Zoom
Join us for an insightful and practical webinar exploring the vital role of parental engagement in youth sport. Led by Gordon MacLelland, CEO of Working with Parents in Sport and a global leader in this space, this session will unpack how to create a positive, aligned, and supportive parent culture that benefits children, coaches, and families alike.
Advice and guidance on involving parents in youth sports
Why do parents matter in sport?
There are multiple studies (The role of parents in the motivation of young athletes: a systematic review Jan 2024) that show parents are one of the main influencers that shape a child’s experience and participation in sport and physical activity.
They show that a strong, positive parent-child relationship helps children feel safe and secure and supports positive behaviour in the children themselves. This allows them to take part in sport confidently, regulate their own emotions better and to build confidence, motivation, self-esteem and healthy relationships.
Some parents might not realise that certain actions can negatively affect their child's experience in sport. Parenting can be tough, and every family faces different challenges. Things like financial worries, lack of support, or their own childhood experiences can all influence how parents support their children in sport.
That’s why we need to help parents and carers to reflect on their behaviours and better understand what their child needs to keep them safe, secure and help them to enjoy and thrive in sport.
Ahead of our campaign, we have a wealth of information, advice and guidance to help your organisation better support parents and carers in the crucial role they play in their child’s journey.