NSPCC urges clubs and parents to act on alarming rise in child welfare reports in sport

The NSPCC has issued a call to action for parents, carers and sports clubs across Northern Ireland to engage with its Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign, after a sharp 47% rise in reports to its Helpline last year about children’s welfare in sports settings.

In 2024/25, the charity’s Helpline received 623 contacts from adults across the UK raising concerns about children involved in sport — up from 425 the previous year. Worryingly, many of these contacts related to sexual abuse, emotional abuse and physical abuse.

One concerned parent told the Helpline:

“My 14-year-old daughter has told me about a dance teacher at her school who has been engaging in relationships with other pupils that I believe are inappropriate. Apparently, this teacher communicates with some of the girls over text and meets up with them outside of class.”

Alongside members of the public, the Helpline also received 135 contacts from sports professionals, including coaches, club staff and volunteers — more than triple the number received the previous year. Over 60% of these contacts involved concerns about parents or carers.

A rugby coach for under-12s described witnessing a distressing incident:

“Tonight, I witnessed a parent push their child twice really hard in the chest. They then shouted at him aggressively, enough to make him cry.

“Even before this incident, this boy was silent throughout training which is not like him. He looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. As a person of trust, I have a duty of care to report this. I hope you can help.”

Week of action in October

The charity’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) runs Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport (KYCSIS) as a year-round awareness campaign, but is urging renewed action ahead of a dedicated week of action from 6–12 October 2025.

The week will focus on empowering parents and carers to support children positively in sport, encouraging open communication and promoting safer, more inclusive sporting environments.

Free resources and training

As part of the campaign, the NSPCC has launched free online webinars and offers a free e-learning course for parents at any time via thecpsu.org.uk/parents.

Christian McMullan, NSPCC Professional Learning Services Director, said:

“NSPCC Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport resources are free, easy to access and use, and can help adults understand more about what role they can play in ensuring young people can enjoy their sport in safety.

“It’s vital that parents, carers, staff and volunteers not only know how to spot the signs that a child may be experiencing difficulties, but also what to do and who to speak to, so that a child can be supported.”

He added:

“Our campaign this year also aims to help build positive parental behaviour and equip and empower everyone who takes part to encourage and support children in sports activities, and to know where to turn with any concerns about young people in these settings.”

Get involved

• Visit thecpsu.org.uk/keepingyourchildsafeinsport for more details on the campaign and upcoming events.

• Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.