WRU and FAW join leading charity for new campaign
Sports clubs in Wales support NSPCC's Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport week
An NSPCC campaign to raise awareness of safeguarding in sports is being supported by clubs, organisations and politicians in Wales, including the Football Association of Wales, Dragons RFC and Welsh Athletics.
Sports clubs, teams, parents and carers across the UK are being encouraged to take part in Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, which is led by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and takes place between October 7 and 11.
In Wales, it is being supported by the players and staff from Dragons RFC, Welsh Athletics, Football Association of Wales, Welsh Rugby Union, Weightlifting Wales, Deputy Senedd Leader of Plaid Cymru, Delyth Jewell MS and Newport East MS John Griffiths.
Ben Carter, Captain at Dragons RFC, said: “We are proud to show our support for Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport week and are calling on clubs across Gwent to get behind this important campaign.
“Raising awareness of safeguarding in sports and clubs is vital as we strive to create the safest environments for children across Gwent to enjoy sport.
“The “Team Huddle” idea is also an easy and great way for clubs to bring everyone together to raise awareness and create meaningful discussions around safeguarding.”
Rhian Wilkinson, Senior Cymru WNT Manager, said: “Football has given me so much, and my childhood club and my first experience there, is where it all begun.
“As such, I’m proud to support the NSPCC’s Keeping your Child Safe in Sport campaign. Every child deserves a fun, and positive experience in sport and together, we can create an environment where everyone feels safe, empowered, and supported.”
The aim of this year’s campaign is to focus on the importance of building stronger, more inclusive communities around sporting and activity clubs...
Encouraging parents and carers to look out for not just the young people taking part, but their families too, helping anyone who needs support to get it sooner.
The top concerns reported to the NSPCC's Helpline in 2023/24 by adults relating to a sports setting were sexual abuse and exploitation and emotional abuse’.
Delyth Jewell MS, Deputy Senedd Leader of Plaid Cymru, said: “I am pleased to back the work of NSPCC Cymru’s Child Protection in Sport Units."
“I have tabled a statement of opinion in the Senedd in support of their work that recognises the importance of keeping children safe and building safe communities for children within sports clubs."
“I hope as many people as possible across Wales will engage with Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week."
"Culture and sport are all vital expressions of our history and social traditions, as well as of our future aspirations so our children and young people must feel safe when taking part in these activities.”
The NSPCC's CEO, Sir Peter Wanless, said: “By participating in this year's campaign, clubs are showing that they are serious about creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable sporting environment for young people.
“Each year, Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week gets stronger, and it provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can all work together to ensure that every child can participate in sport free from harm.”
As part of this initiative, clubs, coaches, and parents are being urged to host a “Team Huddle” event — a fun and informal gathering that brings together everyone involved in the sporting community to raise awareness and create meaningful discussions around safeguarding.
Any clubs taking part in Team Huddles can share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #SafeinSport and help spread the word about the importance of safeguarding practices and celebrate the efforts being made at the grassroots level to protect young athletes.