Volleyball to support NSPCC with campaign

It is a national, year-round campaign run by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, which aims to raise awareness of the important role parents play in keeping their child safe and happy in sport.

Rob Payne, Safeguarding Lead Officer for Volleyball England, said: “Safeguarding plays such an important part in youth sport, which is why Volleyball England is more than glad to support the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week.

“The duty of ensuring that all children and young people can pursue their love of sport in a safe and secure environment extends to all sports clubs and organisations along with parents and carers. We all must play our part.”

This year’s campaign is calling on parents to:

- Recognise that negative behaviour, including at sporting events, can have an impact on their child and their enjoyment of their chosen sport or club.

- Understand their crucial safeguarding role in their child's sport and help keep them safe from possible abuse.

- Get involved in their child’s sporting club or activity and show positive support. Sport is safest when everyone plays their role in keeping children safe, including parents.

The charity has launched a new video (watch here) which explores how behaviour from the sidelines can affect young sportspeople.

Sky Brown (Team GB’s youngest Olympian) said: “I’m so proud to be a supporter of Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week. All parents should feel they are equipped with the information that they need so that their kids can be with a safe sports club where their kids are having fun".

"Having my family with me is really important to me on my journey. My dad and my brother are always by my side and my mom always makes me feel at home when we are on the road and cooks the best food! I am thankful that they often travel with me for competition and training.

"Outside of skating and surfing, my friends are so important to me, but I also have school. Family is important to me both in skating and surfing, and outside of it.”

The NSPCC recognises that children enjoy sport and activities the most when parents are engaged in what they do, whether it is postgame support and cheerleading or showing an interest in the rules of the game.

Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, added: “Being your child’s biggest supporter can help instill in them a lifelong love of sport, and help them build friendships and confidence. It can also help you learn about what makes their sports club safe and how to spot the signs that something might be wrong.

“Our Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week campaign highlights how important parents and carers are in a child's sporting life. You can make a difference by being involved and supporting your child in their club or activity in a positive way and helping to spread the word about keeping children safe in sport.”

The NSPCC is encouraging parents to get involved and learn more about their local sports clubs and safeguarding and to be part of the team, on the CPSU parent hub via the official website.

More information about Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week can be found here.