This year, Play Safe is asking every adult in football to Keep Up The Convo with children and young people – not just over Play Safe Weekend, but throughout the season.

Safeguarding isn’t only about knowing what to do when something’s wrong. It’s also about creating regular opportunities for children and young people to share what matters to them – and showing them their views are heard and taken seriously.

On the pitch. On the sidelines. On the way home. At pick-up and drop-off. Everyday moments are opportunities to Keep Up The Convo.

Keep it light. Start with fun and easy topics.
Keep it open. Ask open questions and give them space to share.
Keep it active. Reflect, repeat, respond. Show you’re really listening.

Bullying can happen anywhere, including in football. But children and young people who experience or witness bullying may not always feel able to speak up. That’s why it’s important to create welcoming, inclusive environments where everyone feels safe, supported and heard.

The theme for Anti-Bullying Week (16th-20th November) is Break The Silence, encouraging children, young people and adults to speak up about bullying, really listen to each other, and keep checking in. Play Safe's Keep Up The Convo is all about creating opportunities in football for children to feel comfortable sharing their views, to know who to turn to, and trust that adults will listen and respond when something isn't right. If you're worried about bullying in football, speak to your Club Welfare Officer or another trusted adult, who can help you get the right support.
Every conversation can make a difference.

Download the Coach Cue Cards for simple questions that encourage kindness, inclusion and belonging, helping children to understand the importance of speaking up when something isn't right.

Every child has a voice. Children communicate in different ways. These activities can be adapted so everyone can take part in the way that works for them – whether that’s talking, pointing, choosing, moving, drawing, signing or using symbols or communication aids.

Give children time and different ways to share. Focus on what they’re communicating, not how they communicate it.

Bring Play Safe to life at your club with official campaign merchandise.

Play Safe team kits, t-shirts, hoodies and more are available to buy from the Play Safe store – helping you show your support and keep safeguarding visible throughout the season.

Whatever position you play, click below for practical ways to create space, listen well and respond to what children tell you.

Listening matters. But so does what happens next.

Show children and young people that their views have been taken seriously. Respond to what they share, explain what happens next and, where appropriate, show them what has changed because you listened.

Sometimes, a conversation may leave you worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing. They might tell you something directly, hint that something isn’t right, or you may notice something that concerns you.

You don’t need to investigate or have all the answers. Listen, take them seriously and know what to do next.

Build your confidence with our safeguarding guidance and education resources, or report a concern if something doesn’t feel right.