The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is highlighting the important role parents play in youth sport through its annual awareness raising event – Parents in Sport Week.

The aim of Parents in Sport Week is to encourage parents and sports clubs to work together to help children reach their full potential. It is also an opportunity for sports clubs to reach out to parents who may be less engaged and get them on board.

Parents play a hugely pivotal role in encouraging and supporting their child’s participation, success and enjoyment when playing sport. So, it is essential that sports clubs communicate regularly with parents so that both coach and parent work towards the same goals.

Former Gloucester Rugby and Samoan International player Terry Fanolua says:

“Along with the players and everyone else at Gloucester Rugby I’m delighted to give my backing to the NSPCC’s CPSU Parents in Sport week.

“It’s important for children to enjoy playing sports and parents and clubs play a vital part in looking after their well-being.

“We want children to get the most out of the sporting activities they take part in. They should be supported to reach their potential, which is why we’re encouraging everyone to get behind this week and take a look at the CPSU website to find out how they can do this.”

Anne Tiivas, Service Head at CPSU, explained:

“We know parents play a critical role in youth sport. In fact, without parental support and involvement – from washing kits to the taxi of mum and dad – it’s likely that youth sport would cease to exist.

“We also know that without parents’ involvement in their child’s sport, children are less likely to achieve and sustain a lifelong interest in sport and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

“Parents in Sport Week is important because it encourages parents to make sure they are positively influencing their child’s involvement and wellbeing in sport and recognise their role in keeping them safe. It also encourages clubs to ensure they are engaging with parents.”

This Parents in Sport Week, parents are being asked to:

Ensure that sports clubs provide the information they need so they can make informed choices about the clubs or activities they send their child to.

Look at their behaviour to make sure they are a positive influence. Advice is available on the CPSU website to support parents in this.

To lend their support, sports clubs can:

Make sure they tell parents what they can do if they have a concern, such as calling the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000).

Be open with parents about what their child needs from them in relation to their behaviour.

Use our resources to engage with parents, help them to support their child and raise awareness of the impact positive parental involvement can have on youth sport.

For more information about Parents in Sport Week, and for downloadable resources for both parents and clubs, visit the CPSU website.

Gloucester Rugby players call on parents to back the NSPCC's Parents in Sport Week

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