The FA Play Safe Weekend returns for 2025

The FA Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays WSL2, National League and across the grassroots game.

This year’s theme – ‘Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think’ – focuses on giving young people a voice. It’s a call to action for every adult in football to create open conversations, ask questions, and actively listen to children. 

To raise visibility of the 2025 campaign, England Football has produced a video which highlights the importance of remaining alert and aware of small changes that can go unnoticed.

The campaign film appears at first to be a studio recording of a new podcast entitled ‘Eyes on the Ball’, which features former Premier League player Anton Ferdinand and Sky Sports’ Joe Thomlinson in conversation. The film then goes on to reveal the podcast to be not all as it seems, carrying with it a powerful message on the importance of observation.

The Play Safe Weekend encourages clubs and leagues to play their part in making the game safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.

To support this year’s campaign, clubs are encouraged to talk about Play Safe with members and ensure everyone understands their safeguarding role.

There’s the option to display the Play Safe banners, use the logo on youth team kits, and wear pin badges and Play Safe captain’s armbands. National League Clubs, men’s and women’s are invited to utilise the Play Safe Player Mascot Packs helping to create more visibility and greater awareness.

Parents and carers are also being encouraged to get involved by completing The FA’s online safeguarding awareness training. It’s free and takes just 25 minutes to complete. 

New this year is Bib Voting – a simple, non-verbal activity designed to help children share feedback and build confidence.

Shared ahead of the weekend, this is the first of a series of Play Safe Activity Cards designed specifically for coaches working with players aged 5–11 and 12–16, providing step by step guidance on ways to give children and young people a voice as Small Talk Is Bigger Than You Think.

Sue Ravenlaw, our head of safeguarding, said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and this year’s FA Play Safe campaign is all about encouraging adults in football to actively listen to children — to notice the small things, ask questions, and create a safe space for open conversations. We want every club, league and individual involved in the game to feel confident in their role and proud of the part they play in keeping football safe, fun and inclusive for all. We’re excited to see the football community come together once again to show their support and commitment across our Play Safe weekend and beyond. We also hope to see many more parents and carers completing our free online awareness training, which is designed to provide greater insight into this important area of our game.”

Our Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group [FASSSAG] has added its support to the campaign: “We’re right behind Play Safe 25, and its theme - Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think. As people with lived experience of child sexual abuse in football, we believe it’s absolutely essential to ensure than children and young people feel that they can speak up and will be heard. Creating ever-safer spaces by building children’s trust and confidence that their views do matter, they will be listened to, and their thoughts and feelings can help to shape the decision making about their experiences, is crucial. We love the activity cards and assets that support Play Safe and encourage everyone to get involved.”

Rachael Barker, Head of the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), NSPCC, said: “We’re always happy to support The FA’s PlaySafe campaign, which highlights the importance of everyone having a role to play in safeguarding children and young people at all levels of football. This year’s focus aligns closely with our own messages in ‘Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport’. Listening to young people and having regular, open conversations is an essential part of safeguarding. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or anyone involved in a child’s sporting journey, your role truly matters. Take the time to talk, to really listen, and to act on what children and young people share with you. When we respond and take action in ways that support them, we help create a safer, more positive environment for every child.”

T/Chief Constable Becky Riggs – National Police Chiefs’ lead for child protection and abuse investigation, said: “I’m proud to support the FA’s PlaySafe weekend, which shines a vital spotlight on safeguarding in football. Spotting the signs that a young person may be affected by child sexual abuse is something we all need to be aware of - not just professionals, but parents, carers, coaches, and teammates. Early recognition and action can make a life-changing difference. Parents, guardians, and carers can find out more about how to protect children in football by visiting the FA’s safeguarding resources and speaking with their local clubs. Knowledge is power - and protection. A heartfelt thank you to the FA for raising awareness and reminding us of the shared responsibility we all have to support and safeguard our young people. Together, we can help ensure sport remains a safe and positive space for every child.”