English football unites for Play Safe Weekend 2026

This weekend, English football will once again come together to champion safeguarding across the game as part of our Play Safe Weekend, taking place on 3-4 October 2026.  

The FA Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and it will be supported this weekend by the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays WSL2, Men’s and Women’s National League and their respective clubs, and the many clubs and leagues from across the grassroots game. 

This year’s Play Safe theme, ‘Keep Up the Convo’, builds on the campaign’s underlying idea that Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think. In 2026, we are encouraging adults across football to create regular opportunities for children and young people to share their views and experiences, and to listen and respond to what they tell us. 

Whether it’s in the car, at pick-up, at drop-off or on the sidelines, everyday conversations help adults understand children’s experiences of football. When children know they will be listened to and taken seriously, it can make it easier to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. 

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 create these opportunities, we have produced a range of resources tailored to different age groups. Children communicate in different ways, so the activities can be adapted to support children to share their views in ways that work for them. 

Clubs are once again encouraged to talk about Play Safe with members and ensure everyone understands their safeguarding role. Parents and carers can get involved by completing The FA’s online safeguarding awareness training. It’s free and takes just 25 minutes to complete.  

As in previous years, Play Safe has the full backing of our Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group [FASSSAG]: "Really listening to what children have to say – in whatever way they choose to express it – helps to build confidence and trust. We are asking all adults involved in football to help to ‘Keep Up the Convo’ and support this year’s Play Safe weekend between 3-4 October 2026 and beyond. We encourage you to make use of the new resources available to support your conversations this season."

Sue Ravenlaw, our Head of Safeguarding, said: "Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and this year’s Play Safe Weekend is all about encouraging adults in football to create conversations with children; so look out for some of our England senior players helping to ‘Keep Up the Convo’. 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 Play Safe Weekend and throughout the season." 

Tracey Watkinson, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Taskforce and Hydrant Programme Partnership Safeguarding Manager, added: "Football has a unique opportunity to safeguard children and young people because coaches, volunteers and welfare professionals often see things that others do not. The trusted relationships and aspirations that make football such a positive force in young people's lives must always be supported by strong safeguards, and by listening carefully when children and young people share concerns. Creating safer football environments starts with hearing their voices and acting on what they tell us."