Are you ready for 'Parents in Sport Week'?

The annual week-long campaign takes place from October 5-11 this year and aims to highlight the important role that parents play in youth sport - from helping to keep children safe to encouraging them to take part and achieve.

Parents in Sports Week is run by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU).

During the week the CPSU will be sharing guidance on what sports clubs should have in place to keep children safe, how parents can get help with any concerns, and how parents' positive behaviour contributes to better experiences of sport for children.

This year’s theme is 'Let’s talk about keeping children safe in sport'.

Most sports clubs and organisations have sound policies and procedures in place but parents are often unaware of what they are, how to access them and how they help to protect children. 

This year the CPSU is trying to reach as many parents as possible with its information and advice, with the hope that it can open up a dialogue with coaches, clubs and children about how everyone can contribute to safeguarding in sport.

As part of the campaign, the CPSU is asking sports parents to make the Sports Parents Promise.

The Promise outlines what makes a great sports parent. The CPSU hopes this will give parents an understanding of how their contribution to their child’s sport helps to make it a safer place. It is asking parents to sign up and make the Promise to their child by the end of Parents in Sport Week 2020.

The NSPCC also offers support and guidance through the helpline, on 0808 800 5000 or on email at help@nspcc.org.uk

For clubs and other activity providers the NSPCC offers support in developing, improving and assessing their safeguarding policies. For more information, sports club staff and volunteers can visit thecpsu.org.uk.