News

Ally McCoist
Former Scotland and Rangers footballer, winner of the Golden Boot in 1992 and 1993.

"Safeguarding children is not just about reporting abuse – it’s about making children’s welfare your number one priority. For some young people sport might be the only positive thing in their life. Being a good coach is not just about producing talented players, it’s about helping young people achieve their full potential in life."

Lee McConnell
Commonwealth Games, European and World Championship medal winner.

"When I was younger I was really lucky that I had good people around me who put my wellbeing first. Unfortunately not everyone has that experience. Safeguarding in Sport can be there when things go wrong and can offer expert advice and support. No worry is too small."

David Carry
Holder of two Swimming gold and one bronze Commonwealth Games medals.

"It’s an amazing feeling winning medals at major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and knowing that youngsters might be inspired to try the sport. Those youngsters need coaches and volunteers who can keep them active, safe and happy – and that’s why the work of Safeguarding in Sport is so important. They can help people gain the skills and confidence to work with young people which is a win-win situation for everyone."

Jennifer McIntosh
Double gold medallist and bronze medallist, Commonwealth Games Delhi.

"For children and young people sport is not just about winning. It's about having fun and staying safe and that's what Safeguarding in Sport help organisations do."

Eilidh Child
Silver medallist, Commonwealth Games Delhi, European Championship finalist, 400m hurdles.

"It’s my job to get over the hurdles on the track. But for some young people the hurdles in their life can seem impossible to clear. It’s important for all children taking part in sport to know they can ask for help, and for adults to be able to respond appropriately. Training from Safeguarding in Sport can give volunteers and staff the confidence to deal with these kinds of issues."

Scott Hastings
Former Scotland rugby player and Grand Slam winner 1990.

"As a person with a passion for sport I believe that everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe. There are some really simple ways of doing this. Going on a basic child protection course like Safeguarding and Protecting Children is a start. I learned a lot from the course and would certainly recommend it."

Jenny Hastings
Wife to Scott Hastings and club child protection officer of Cala Edinburgh Hockey Club.

"At first taking on the role of a child protection officer can feel a bit daunting. But Safeguarding in Sport have loads of training and resources which make things easier. In this role I’ve seen how just being there for young people – listening to them, believing them, involving them – can make all the difference."

Ryan McKee
One of the youngest athletes in Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games Delhi.

"Competing at the Commonwealth Games was an amazing experience and I will really learn from it. It’s great to know that sports organisations are working with Safeguarding in Sport to try and make sure young people like me have every chance to grow and succeed."

Ian Marsden
Seven time Commonwealth Games competitor.

"Safeguarding in Sport has got a great leaflet for young people which outlines their rights and responsibilities. It’s just one of many resources the service provides."

Yvonne Murray
Former 3000m runner and holder of Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medals. Inductee in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.

"If I could swap my medals to keep one child free from abuse or harm then I wouldn’t have a moment’s hesitation handing them all over. But the reality, sadly, is that there are many children and young people who are abused, bullied, isolated or neglected. Sport is well placed to help these children. I think the fact that coaches can turn to Safeguarding in Sport for help and guidance is invaluable."

Andy Walker
Former Celtic and Scotland footballer.

"Thousands of children and young people take part in sport every week. It’s important that the adults working with them are good role models. Safeguarding in Sport has Codes of Conduct which sports clubs can use to promote good behaviour. It is one of the simplest ways to create a great ethos in your club."

Anne Houston
Chief Executive, CHILDREN 1ST.

"At CHILDREN 1ST our vision is a happy, healthy, safe and secure childhood for every child and young person in Scotland. Safeguarding in Sport works with organisations to contribute to making this vision a reality. Originally this service was set up to ensure that organisations understood their child protection duties. Over the years the sporting community has worked hard to put children’s welfare at the heart of everything they do. The change in name to Safeguarding in Sport reflects this."