This weekend we're supporting Play Safe, the ongoing nationwide campaign led by The FA to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding in football.
In partnership with the NSPCC, this year’s campaign focuses on the safeguarding role that everyone can play – coaches, players, parents/carers, spectators, or volunteers – to keep children safe.
Our Football Plus programme uses regular grassroots football activities delivered by Arsenal in the Community coaches as a platform to raise awareness of important social issues while providing playing opportunities for children and young people.
This weekend, all Football Plus teams playing in competitive fixtures will wear ‘Play Safe’ captains’ armbands, and coaches will be wearing pin badges in support of the campaign.
Parents and carers of our participants will also be encouraged to complete the FA's free online Safeguarding Awareness course. This provides important information that guides them through questions they should ask to ensure the club or venue where children play football has the correct safeguarding policies, people, and practices in place. You can access this here.
On Sunday, at our new U9 Girls League at The Arsenal Hub, children will take part in a ‘Youth Voice’ activity, where we will listen to their views on how we can create a safe supportive environment that helps them to feel confident to play.
Adam Brown, our Head of Safeguarding, said, "We are proud to come together again to support the FA's Play Safe campaign and spotlight the importance of safeguarding and creating safe environments to protect children and young people at all levels of the game. Everyone has a role to play, and across the club we are committed to creating positive and safe environments, no matter what the setting is."
FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, said, "We want everyone involved in football – particularly children and young people – to have a safe, positive and enjoyable experience. English football will come together this weekend with leagues and clubs across the country participating in our Play Safe Weekend, taking our Play Safe Pledge to help build awareness and understanding about the importance of safeguarding. We encourage everyone in the game to take part."
Our Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, National League and across the grassroots game.
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