The Ann Craft Trust and the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit held a joint Safeguarding Support Forum at Sport Wales on 13 February 2025.
As well as safeguarding leads and deputies from a variety of partners across Wales, we were joined by Elisa Ionascu (22), Guto Thomas-Young (19), and Rachel (18). Each delivered their own session during the day.
We discussed how we can ensure that safeguarding policies and communications are relatable, accessible, and easy for the target audience to understand.
As part of this, we talked about how some of us “older” adults need to embrace new technology, if we want to reach people younger than us. But also, there’s a need for younger people to help us get to grips with the tech!
The Future of Your Sport
There was a great energy in the room. We all realised how ‘out of touch’ we really were with some of the well know social media platforms. I think Guto, Elisa, and Rachel enjoyed watching us all squirm as they tried to explain the ins and outs of TikTok and QR codes. It highlighted how important it is to explore different ways to communicate safeguarding news in sport.
It also demonstrated how important it is that we take the time to understand each other. We need to take each others’ individual strengths and weaknesses into consideration when we are trying to raise understanding and awareness around safeguarding.
At one point Rachel said: “We, us, children and young people – we’re the future of your sport.”
Powerful words, and so true.
If People Want To Get Involved, We Need To Make It As Easy As Possible For Them To Do So!
It became clear that these young adults are reaching out to us and asking to be more involved in the future of their sports. They were encouraging us to allow them more responsibility in ensuring their sport is safe, and continues to be safe for all.
So why, when we have these amazing young people within our sports, do we continue to bang our heads against walls trying to spread the safeguarding word without them? We need to believe in them, and place more trust in them.
From the age of 18 we are legally adults. But at this age, and for a few years afterward, we are perhaps more susceptible to harm and abuse. However, our younger adults could offer the secret to building safer cultures in sports. Maybe all we have to do is amplify their voices and encourage their engagement!
Why Inclusion Matters
During the forum, attendees shared lots of insightful thoughts, feelings, and ideas. People talked about why inclusion matters, and how we can include as many people as possible in our sports.
Hopefully, many of our attendees continued to reflect after the event. Partners from various sports also shared some amazing best-practice examples during the day, so there is plenty of food for thought.
Everyone, regardless of their age, should have a say on any decisions that directly affect them. This right should extend to any sport clubs or organisations they take part in.
Want To Join The Next Safeguarding Lead Forum?
These forums are open for National Governing Body Safeguarding Leads within Wales that receive funding from Sport Wales.
The next forum will take place on 5 June. Watch this space for details on how to take part.