The NSPCC has reported a 10% rise in child protection concerns in sports.
The national children’s charity said its confidential Helpline dealt with nearly 700 contacts from adults who had child protection concerns relating to children and young people taking part in sporting activities in 2025-26.
This represented a 10% increase on the previous year.
The most common child protection concern for a sports setting related to sexual abuse and exploitation, which accounted for almost a fifth of contacts. Emotional and physical abuse were also frequently mentioned.
Sports clubs lacked strong child protection procedures
Adults contacting the Helpline were worried about the conduct of sports professionals, as well as other parents, and also raised concerns about sports clubs lacking strong child protection procedures.
The NSPCC has a dedicated Child Protection in Sport Unit, which it has recently renamed to NSPCC Sport.
NSPCC Sport, which has just marked its 25-year anniversary, helps organisations to create safe and inclusive environments to enable all children to enjoy sporting activities and thrive in physical activity. Support includes guidance on how to practise child protection procedures and encourages them to focus on children’s welfare.
The service is supported and endorsed by many leading organisations, such as the Premier League, the Football Association and UK Sport, and high-profile sporting figures.
One of them is Max Whitlock OBE, Team GB Artistic Gymnast and NSPCC Friend. He believes that “every child should have the opportunity to take part [in sport] without fear or harm,” and added:
“I urge all clubs and sport groups to work with NSPCC Sport to ensure they are providing a safe and happy space for children to take part in activities that have the potential to shape their lives.”
Sports clubs must prioritise child protection
The Professional Learning Services Director at the NSPCC, Christian McMullen, says the NSPCC Sport service helps sporting organisations to “understand how to prioritise children and young people’s welfare, as well as guiding them on how to implement robust safeguarding procedures.”
But he warned that the latest figures “highlight that there is still work to be done within sports settings,” and explained:
“[…] NSPCC Sport hopes to reach even more organisations to help them create a safe and supportive environment for young people.
“No child should feel intimidated, scared or worried when taking part in sports, and any adult who has concerns should reach out to the NSPCC for support.”
Safeguarding children in every setting
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They work with a large number of early years, schools and childcare providers and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children.
A trainer from FRT says:
“Children deserve to feel safe in all settings, from home to school to sports clubs and other activities and amusements. Any adult who works with children and young people should undergo training in safeguarding so that they understand correct procedures for keeping them safe and can identify when there may be a risk of harm.”
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