At PlayerData, we are dedicated to supporting a culture of safety and protection in football, especially at the grassroots level. That's why we are encouraging our PlayerData Community to actively support the Play Safe campaign this weekend, Saturday 30th Sep and Sunday 1st Oct 2023.
The FA are asking EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals) – to take part in the Play Safe Pledge. This event is designed to raise awareness and reinforce the practice of safeguarding within your football club or organisation.
Play Safe is officially supported by the NSPCC, the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, and Barclays Women’s Championship. Moreover, it receives unwavering support from every tier of the football community across England. The primary focus during this campaign is on parents and carers and their pivotal role in safeguarding, with the key messages being:
Are you aware of the vital safeguarding role you play in football?
We urge all parents and carers to take a short and free safeguarding course, specifically designed for you. You can access it here.
If you are involved with open-age football, we would advise completing the new Player Welfare Course.
Importantly, FASSSAG – The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group – strongly encourages everyone to take the new course. They have contributed to its content and believe it can make a real difference in ensuring football is even safer for our young players. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, a parent and youth football coach himself, applauds FASSSAG's support, emphasising that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. He encourages all parents and carers involved in football to take the course.
Michelle North, Service Head of the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), stresses the importance of safeguarding in sport. She commends The FA's efforts and encourages parents to explore the new online course, reassuring them that child safety is paramount and if anyone has concerns about the safety of a child, they can call the NSPCC FA-designated helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding, emphasises that Play Safe unites the entire football community in its mission to keep children safe. She highlights the need for collaboration among adults, parents, and carers to create a safe and positive environment for young players.
Remember, if you have concerns about a child, reporting them is vital. Doing nothing is not an option. Stay calm and reassure the child that they are not to blame.
Here are five ways to report a concern:
At PlayerData we are committed to playing our part in making football safer for everyone involved. We hope that you will support Play Safe and participate in ensuring that safeguarding remains at the forefront of our national game. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and together we can make a difference. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns.