The importance of ensuring that children are safeguarded when playing sport is being highlighted with an event at the National Sports Centre today.

The safeguarding of children is about working together to protect younger people from abuse and neglect.

A Fun Football session with children aged four to seven is being used to demonstrate good practice in safeguarding. It’s part of a joint initiative between the Safeguarding Children Board and the departments of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Home Affairs and Education and Children (DEC).

The event – which coincides with the launch of the DEC’s summer sport and recreation programme – is an initial step by the Safeguarding Children Board to engage with parents and sports groups across the Island to develop partnerships and ensure that safeguarding is of the highest standard.

Gary McManus, Lead Officer for Children Services, said: “Sport plays an important role in the lives of the Island’s children and young people and contributes to our quality of life and our sense of community.

“Our aim is to provide parents and carers with an insight into what good and safe provision looks like. The Safeguarding Children Board is seeking to raise awareness amongst parents of the importance of seeking clubs with good quality safeguarding practices. It’s important we recognise that safeguarding children is everyone’s business within our community.”

Gianni Epifani, Senior Sport Development Officer at the DEC, said: “Across sport we have a responsibility to review and evaluate what we do in terms of safeguarding and good practice; but it is also important we applaud all the coaches and volunteers who deliver hundreds of sessions across the Island on a weekly basis. Without these, young people would not have to the opportunity to engage in sport and then enjoy the benefits that an active lifestyle brings.”

Chief Inspector Phil Shimmin said: “We’re fortunate to have so many opportunities for children to take part in sporting pursuits. The DEC’s sport and recreation programme is just one example on our Island of a scheme with the processes in place to ensure that children can take part in activities in a safe and enjoyable environment.

“I would encourage all organisations that work with children and young people to ensure that they have adequate safeguarding processes in place to protect participants.”

Further information and advice can be found on the Safeguarding Children Board’s website, including information on free courses for voluntary organisations.