Play Safe Weekend 2023
Over the weekend of 30th September/1st October the game will come together to promote Play Safe and we’re asking everyone to show their support
English football is set to unite again to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.
This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE has to play – coach, player, parent/carer, spectator or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns.
We are asking clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals if they wish) – to tell us what they are planning to do to make a difference over the Play Safe weekend and to share this via an online Play Safe Pledge.
To tell us what you’ll be doing to support Play Safe 2023, follow the link below.
In addition, we are also promoting our free online Safeguarding Awareness Course for Parents and Carers to raise awareness around safeguarding and how to report any concerns. The free course, which only takes 30 minutes to complete, provides important information that guides parents and carers through questions they should ask to ensure the club or venue where children play football has the correct safeguarding policies, people and practices in place.
What is Play Safe?
Led by The FA, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported across the weekend at every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game.
The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group (FASSSAG) continues to support Play Safe:
“Creating safe environments in every football setting is a collective responsibility. It’s really important that every single person in football – no matter if they’re actively involved or on the sidelines – understands that they have an ongoing role to play.
Knowing how to act on any concerns is vital and Play Safe is a key way to raise awareness so that everyone is vigilant and knows what to do if they become aware of any inappropriate behaviour.”
Hertfordshire FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer Gemma Chaffey said:
“Safeguarding is not just about ensuring coaches have the necessary qualifications and DBS checks. While these are important preventative measures, they only form part of the strategy to protect young people involved in the game.
Ensuring that everyone understands the safeguarding processes that are in place is also vital, so that they know what to look for and where to get help should an issue arise. We’ll be supporting our leagues and clubs to spread the message as far as possible”.
It’s all part of football in England uniting to create an ever-safer culture across the game at every level.
