News

Parents in Sport Week 2021

Parents play many roles in their children’s athletics journey: taxi driver, nutritionist, psychologist, photographer, equipment sponsor and lots more, and we are always proud to celebrate this. Likewise, there are so many amazing parent helpers at clubs who perhaps first got involved when their child joined an athletics club and are still involved many years later, either on committees or filling other vital roles - we thank you all!

It is great to see children of all ages and abilities taking part in, and enjoying athletics, which is a terrific way to keep them active and healthy, teach them new skills and help them make new friends.

This year’s #ParentsinSportWeek (4-10 October) is about how we can work together to keep your children safe in sport, highlighting where parents can find more information and the tools they need to be part of the bigger safeguarding picture in sport.

England Athletics wants parents to feel confident that they know how to keep their children safe within our sport and ensure they are working with their club on standards, which support volunteers to create well-governed and safe environments. This includes checking what health and safety and safeguarding measures are in place, for example, ensuring DBS checks are completed, that clubs are only using licensed coaches and there are agreements in place on how coaches and others contact their children.

We encourage parents to question things they see and hear at clubs, competitions or events and speak out should they have any concerns about poor practice or abuse. Details of how to contact your club’s welfare officer will be available on individual club websites and within the code of conduct you received when your child joined their athletics club.

The importance of parental support within the lives of young athletes cannot be underestimated. Navigating the range of different challenges athletics entails can be difficult, however, with the right knowledge, education and support, we can work together towards creating a safer sporting environment.

Links to useful resources and further information:

Useful Contacts:

  • Advice and support regarding Club and Athlete Compliance and Wellbeing matters can be obtained by contacting
    Abbie Cranage - England Athletics Club Standards and Compliance Officer   welfare@englandathletics.org or call 07920 532553.
  • Advice and support regarding Safeguarding/Child Protection concerns or UKA Licensed Coach/Official concerns can be obtained by contacting
    Angus Macdonald safeguarding@uka.org.uk or call 07920 532552.
  • Advice and support regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) enquiries can be obtained by contacting
    Laura Mottershead - UKA Welfare Administrator dbs@uka.org.uk or call 0121 713 8450.
  • Contact the NSPCC via help@nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 800 5000. Under-18s call the NSPCC child help line at 0800 1111

Further information:

Children and Young People