Following the success of the Play Safe Weekend in September, clubs and leagues are encouraged to continue listening to young people and have regular, open conversations - this is an essential part of safeguarding.

Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “This Anti-Bullying Week we want to empower young people to use their ‘Power for Good’ to safely speak up and raise awareness when they see bullying, both on and off the football pitch.”

Clubs and leagues are encouraged to be part of this important conversation and here is how to get involved.

• Spread the message: raise awareness of Anti-Bullying Week - Power for Good. Support those who experience bullying, encourage a culture of kindness and acceptance and remind adults to lead by example. 

• Parent resources: Share the Anti-Bullying resources for parents and carers within your club, available here

• Odd Socks Day: Join the fun by wearing odd socks to training on any day of Anti-Bullying Week. 

• The Grassroots Code: sets out the expected behaviours of adults and young people involved in football; have conversations about celebrating difference and teammates standing up for one another, and ensure everyone has signed up to your club’s code.

• Anti-Bullying Policy: ensure your club's policy is easily accessible

Sue Ravenlaw, The FAs Head of Safeguarding, said: “We are delighted to support and encourage our clubs to get behind this year’s Anti-Bullying campaign, ‘Power for good’.

Each of us has a part to play in shaping clubs and football spaces that are supportive, where teammates embrace difference and stand up for one another. 

Clubs can also promote the campaign’s helpful resource to assist parents and carers with tried and tested ways to have conversations with their children about bullying.”

Bib Voting is a simple, fun, non-verbal activity that helps children share experiences and build confidence in giving feedback. It also supports coaches in adapting sessions to better meet their needs and can be used throughout the season.

Just follow the steps for the age group you’re working with (5–11 or 12–16). We recommend doing it 3–4 times with different questions.

The Play Safe Activity Cards have been designed to help children/young people share their voices and shape their football experience. Coaches simply follow the six steps explaining how to use these cards with their players.

Activities can be used either before, during or after a training session or game. 

Each activity card provides a prompt or question which has been designed to get players talking about their feelings, ideas or experiences. The coach’s role is to actively listen and show their players that their views matter.

When everyone knows their role, together we create an ever-safer game.