Gladiators star, Fury, and swimming champion Michael Gunning back NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign, calling on parents in Northern Ireland to play their part
Broadcasters, influencers and figures from the sporting world have come together with NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) to call on parents and carers across Northern Ireland to get involved in Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week (6–12 October 2025).
The annual campaign highlights the vital role parents play in their child’s sporting journey and encourages open conversations about the kind of support that helps children feel safe, confident and able to enjoy themselves.
In 2024/25, the NSPCC Helpline dealt with 623 contacts, from across the UK, from adults concerned about a child’s welfare in a sports setting – an increase of 47 per cent on the previous year.
With more than five million children and young people, across the UK, regularly taking part in activities outside of school, the NSPCC says it is essential that clubs, coaches and parents work together to ensure every child has a safe and positive sporting experience.
Backed by Premier League icon and football pundit Alan Shearer, International swimmer Michael Gunning, England rugby sevens player and Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley (known as Fury on the primetime BBC show), Newcastle United forward Shania Hayles and sporting governing bodies, this year’s theme ‘Play Your Part’ asks parents to consider how they support their child before, during and after sport.
Alan Shearer said: “As parents and carers, the way we support children in sport has a huge impact – not just on how they see the game, but on how they see themselves. It’s less about the scoreline and more about making sure they enjoy taking part, feel respected, and know we’re proud of their effort. I’d encourage families to watch the new NSPCC video and explore the simple resources available.”
International swimmer Michael Gunning said: “Sport is about joy, resilience and friendships. Parents and carers are such an important part of that journey. By talking to your child and understanding what support means to them, you’re helping them feel safe and confident, no matter the result.”
Jodie Ounsley, Gladiators star, Fury, and England rugby sevens player, said: “I know how important it was for me to have my parents’ backing, not pressure. I want every child to feel safe, respected and encouraged to enjoy their sport. This campaign is a brilliant reminder that a parent’s role is about so much more than cheering from the sidelines.”
At the heart of this year’s campaign is a new video, launching on 6 October, which features children and parents talking about what kind of support makes the biggest difference.
Parents can also download a set of conversation starter questions to help them talk with their own child about what support works for them, while clubs can also access free resources to promote the campaign from the CPSU website (https://thecpsu.org.uk/parents).
Rachael Barker, Head of the CPSU, said: “The part a parent plays in their child’s sport can shape how they feel about themselves and their sport for years to come. This campaign gives parents the confidence to start conversations with their children, to listen, and to keep sport fun, respectful and safe.”
The campaign is also being accompanied by Lifelong Play, a new poem shared by athletes and ambassadors across social media, highlighting the lasting impact of positive parenting in sport which you can watch here.
Clubs, schools and community organisations in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to add the campaign to their calendars, share the video, display posters in venues and distribute resources to parents. The NSPCC hopes these tools will make it easier for families to focus on encouragement, respect and fun, rather than results or pressure.
