Sport is a terrific way for young people to develop their physical skills, team work and confidence. Thousands of people give up their time to coach and encourage youngsters, but occasionally incidents of grooming and abuse occur. Ensuring that children in sport are as safe as possible is much more rigorous than ever before.
Any club offering a sport or activity to children or young people has a responsibility to safeguard them.
NSPCC Football Helpline: 0800 023 2642
The NSPCC has launched a dedicated football hotline for victims of abuse, supported by the FA. The free helpline will be available 24 hours a day.
The NSPCC also has a dedicated website of resources for safeguarding children in sport.
Read and download this guidance for parents on choosing activities, clubs or tuition; published by Essex Safeguarding Children Board, Active Essex and Essex County Council.