News
Rebrand to Help Safeguard Scotland’s Children in Sport
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Sporting youngsters across Scotland will be given extra protection thanks to a major rebranding of the country’s leading children’s sport support service.
Child Protection in Sport, the service run in partnership by CHILDREN 1ST and sportscotland, is changing its name to Safeguarding in Sport – to reflect the importance of keeping youngsters supported and safe when they take part in sporting activities.
The rebrand has been designed to provide sports governing bodies, leisure departments, and clubs – and in particular coaches and leaders - with additional information and advice about the overall welfare of children, rather than just encouraging the reporting of suspected abuse.
The new Safeguarding in Sport service will continue to offer a high standard of training and advice about keeping youngsters safe during their sporting activities, as well as providing resources that enable sports organisations to develop self-esteem, confidence, leadership, and teamwork among children.
Anne Houston, Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST, said: “We have a vision of children growing up safe, secure and happy. Safeguarding in Sport works with organisations to try and make 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. ’Safeguarding’ is more than just ‘protecting’ – it’s much more positive and preventative. The change in name to ‘Safeguarding in Sport’ reflects this.”
A new website giving clear, practical information on practice and training has been created at www.safeguardinginsport.org.uk and posters detailing the work of the service will be sent out to leisure centres across the country.
Some of Scotland’s top athletes have already lent their support to the new service, and have highlighted the positive work that it performs in supporting and advising sports organisations that work with children and young people across the country.
Eilidh Child, who won silver in the 400m hurdles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, said: “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. Safeguarding in Sport can give volunteers and staff the confidence to deal with these kinds of issues.”
Safeguarding in Sport will work in partnership with Scottish governing bodies of sport and local authorities and leisure trusts to implement child protection measures and highlight good practice. As well as resources and training the service also offers case advice on specific child protection concerns.
Scottish Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison said: "With the baton being handed to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games it's vital that the children and young people of Scotland are fully able to participate in sport in a safe and welcoming environment and enjoy the benefits it can bring.
"That is why I welcome the ongoing partnership between CHILDREN 1ST and sportscotland in supporting sports organisations in their vitally important work of safeguarding our children."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “We are dedicated to giving children every opportunity to engage with sport, and we want to ensure that participation is a positive experience.
“The support provided by Safeguarding in Sport is vital in ensuring that every child taking part in sport is able to do so in a safe environment; which allows them to take advantage of the benefits that sport can offer.”
Sports clubs and organisations which work with children can contact Safeguarding in Sport for support, training and advice by calling 0141 418 5674 or by emailing safeguardinginsport@children1st.org.uk.
Information can be found on the service’s website at www.safeguardinginsport.org.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Safeguarding in Sport
- Safeguarding in Sport is a national partnership between sportscotland and CHILDREN 1ST. It was established in 2002 in response to a growing need for advice, training and resources to help sports organisations keep children safe in and through sport, and aims to ensure that children who take part in sporting activities are safe and secure.
- The service helps sports organisations by providing advice, consultancy and training on the development and implementation of child protection policies and procedures.
About sportscotland
- sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland. Its mission is to encourage everyone in Scotland to discover and develop their own sporting experience, helping to increase participation and improve performances in Scottish sport.
- sportscotland aim to achieve this mission by leading and supporting their partners, investing National Lottery and Scottish funding where it counts, and advising on policy and strategy for the future.
- In all that it does, sportscotland strives to add value and act in the best interests of Scottish sport.
Last updated: Thursday 25 November 2010
