Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Worcestershire Cricket Foundation join the NSPCC in calling on sports and activity clubs, teams, parents, and carers across the UK to participate in Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport week.
Part of a year-round safeguarding campaign, this year’s week of action – led by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) – takes place between October 7 and 11 and was launched with a star-studded event held in Manchester.
The aim of this year’s campaign is to focus on the importance of building stronger, more inclusive communities around sporting and activity clubs, encouraging parents and carers to look out for not just the young people taking part, but their families too, helping anyone who needs support to get it sooner.
As part of this initiative, clubs, coaches, and parents are being urged to host a “Team Huddle” event — a fun and informal gathering that brings together everyone involved in the sporting community to raise awareness and create meaningful discussions around safeguarding.
Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Worcestershire Cricket Foundation have led the way by hosting an NSPCC Listen Up Speak Up workshop as part of a huddle event for twenty of their members of staff. The workshop took place on October 07 and equipped staff with more knowledge to help keep children and young people safe.
Cheryl Instan-Smith is the County Safeguarding Officer for Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Worcestershire Cricket Foundation. Cheryl said: “Worcestershire County Cricket Club is proud to support this year’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week as we recognise the importance of creating an environment that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
“By hosting a huddle event together with the NSPCC, not only is the club showcasing our club’s confidence and role in child safety but we’re championing the importance of safeguarding and protection for all clubs, big and small, across the county and the West Midlands. It is everyone’s duty to allow children to flourish in the world of sport.”
The NSPCC’s CEO, Sir Peter Wanless, said: “By participating in this year’s campaign, clubs are showing that they are serious about creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable sporting environment for young people.
“Each year, Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week gets stronger, and it provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can all work together to ensure that every child can participate in sport free from harm.”
Michelle North, Head of the CPSU, continued: “Team Huddles are a brilliant way to bring people together, providing an opportunity for parents, coaches, and club leaders to connect in a relaxed environment.
“But they also serve an important purpose. These events open the door to vital conversations about safeguarding, giving everyone involved a chance to reflect on their role in keeping children safe in sport.”
Any clubs taking part in Team Huddles can share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #SafeinSport and help spread the word about the importance of safeguarding practices and celebrate the efforts being made at the grassroots level to protect young athletes.
