News
Seminar Shows That Teamwork Is Key
Monday 9 March 2009
The importance of teamwork and good practice was promoted on and off the pitch at Murrayfield Stadium at the recent Child Protection in Sport (CPiS) seminar.
While members of the Scotland rugby team helped CPiS to promote new resources pitchside, almost 70 representatives from councils and governing bodies of sport attended the ‘Strength in Numbers' seminar inside.
"The day was a great chance for people who provide sport to children and young people to share good practice and discuss how integrated working can be developed", said CPiS manager Campbell Bell.
Sporting bodies and local authorities often have differing priorities, and group sessions explored how best to overcome these obstacles to ensure that young people stay safe and have fun in sport. Cricket Scotland and Scottish Borders Council then gave a presentation highlighting how partnerships can work to everyone's benefit.
A short film told of real life stories of children abused through sport. It ended on a more positive note with comments from children and young people who had found sport as an escape or somewhere to turn to for help.
"We want to be able to offer children and young people excellent experiences and adventures."
Anne Houston, chief executive of CHILDREN 1ST, which runs the national CPiS jointly with sportscotland, brought the day to a close by congratulating everyone on their work on the 2006 Accord and action plans. She also stressed the importance of the charity's partnership with sportscotland.
She said: "Through CPiS we can support you to have a real impact on children's safety and enjoyment of sport. Hopefully, it also allows you to feel more confident in how you work with children and young people. We are aiming for the same thing: more confident and articulate children and young people; more confident and trusted adults; and more confident communities."
"And hence, a reduction in the chance of children being abused. At the same time we want to be able to offer children and young people some excellent experiences and adventures which promote their development and which will give them good memories of a happy, or at least happier, childhood."
One attendee said: "It was great to network and renew contacts. It was well organised, an excellent venue and had a friendly atmosphere."
The short film of children's experiences can be made available to those who may find it useful. Please contact Lynda Winser on 0141 418 5674 for details.
Further information on the Child Protection In Sport service can be viewed on their website.
Photo caption: Scotland rugby stars Max Evans, Nick De Luca, Dan Parks and Phil Godman help CPiS promote their new resources.
Last updated: Monday 20 July 2009
