Play Safe

KEEP UP THE CONVO WITH PLAY SAFE 2026

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.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL. AND YOUR EARS ON THE CONVO

The small talk before, during and after football is bigger than you think. Give children opportunities to share, really listen, and respond to what they tell you. That’s how we show them their views matter.

CONVO. THE GAME PLANS

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.

MAKE PLAY SAFE VISIBLE

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.

VISIT THE PLAY SAFE STORE

NEW TO YOUTH FOOTBALL?

WELCOME TO FOOTBALL

Welcome to Football helps parents and carers understand what to expect, from the touchline to the journey home. Learn how to create opportunities to check in, listen up, and respond in ways that help children enjoy all of football while feeling heard.

Explore Welcome to Football

WHATEVER YOUR ROLE, KEEP UP THE CONVO

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

Parents and carers remain responsible for checking their child is taken care of in football.

Things to do as a parent/carer:

● Complete the free, 30-minute online ‘Safeguarding Awareness for Parents/Carers’ course.
● Know who your child’s coach/manager is and how to contact them.
● Know how to contact your club’s welfare officer and where to report a concern.
● Ask about FA DBS Checks and safeguarding qualifications of the staff at your club.
● Know what unacceptable behaviour looks like and the club’s Codes of Conduct.
● Keep on checking in with your child(ren) – make sure they know how to report a concern.

Committee Members have an explicit responsibility to ensure safeguards are consistently in place across the clubs’ activities. Working together you can really make a difference to keep everyone safe.

Things to do as a committee member:

● Make sure your club is following a safer recruiting process - you can find that information here
● Support coaches, check they’re working with the right ratios and role modelling the clubs code of conduct, make sure you’re happy with the way they communicate and engage with players.
● Make sure all your club’s digital/social media communications follow safe practice; they should be for specific football purposes.

As a coach or manager, you’re in a position of trust and responsibility to many.

Things to do as a coach or manager:

● Check and challenge your own behaviour, as well as other peoples. Shouting at children is not okay.
● Make sure you’re working with another DBS-checked coach.
● Only communicate online with a child’s parent or carer. Keep it football related.
● Be fair, encouraging, inclusive. Try to understand every child’s needs, speak with their parent/carer about what would work best for their child.

On or off the pitch, players should expect to feel safe, always.

Things to do as a player:

● If something feels wrong or unsafe, know how and where to report a concern.
● Keep talking to your parent/carer. Tell them if you’re worried about anything.
● Expect to play in a safe environment, always.
● Be positive and always support other players.

Being at the heart of the game, its important referees/match officials look after themselves and others.

Things to do as an under-18 referee/match official whether on matchday or at training events:

● Know who you’re officiating/training with, how you’re getting to the venue and who the club/event organiser point of contact is.
● For matches, check important details, like changing facilities and post-match support.
● Be prepared for a challenging game. Know how and where to report a problem.

Things to do as an adult referee/match official:

● Know who you’re officiating/training with and who the main point of contact is.
● Be responsible before offering under-18 officials a lift; get parent/carer consent, consider will there be a third person in the vehicle, ensure they sit in the rear of the vehicle.
● Check important details before a match, like changing facilities or post-match support.
● Be prepared for a challenging game and know how to manage conflict. Know how and where to report a concern.

As a designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or Club Welfare Officer (CWO), you’re the first port of call.

Things to do as a DSO/CWO:

● Know who your members are and how to reach them. Consider how you can ensure everyone knows who you are and how to contact you.
● Share news and information about Play Safe to everyone at your club.
● Keep safeguarding as a regular item at committee meetings.
● Think about what could make a positive difference at your club/league and who could help you bring about that change.

Supporters should keep the sidelines positive and supportive. This way, the game is better for all.

Things to do as a spectator:

● Never shout abusive or negative things during a match. Keep it positive. Clap for everyone.
● If there’s something that feels off or unsafe, report it to the club welfare officer, or member of staff.

WHAT TO DO WITH WHAT YOU HEAR?

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.

HOW TO REPORT A CONCERN

Safeguarding Training

Find ways you can get trained in safeguarding here.

FIND OUT MORE

Parents and Carers

Here's guidance on how you can report a concern.

FIND OUT MORE

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KEEP UP THE CONVO WITH PLAY SAFE 2026