Leeds United are backing the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week campaign which this year calls on parents to show positive support for their children in their activities.

The club has linked back up with the NSPCC to help promote their messaging around keeping children safe in sport and ensure as many children as possible are kept away from any potential abuse or harm.

More than one in four parents (28%) who attend their child’s sports club or activity have said they have seen or experienced inappropriate behaviour, a new NSPCC survey has revealed.

This includes shouting insults, intimidating or threatening behaviour or fights between parents, guardians, carers or children.

The YouGov poll1, commissioned by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) to mark the launch of the charity’s Keeping Children Safe in Sport Week, also found that 68% of these parents said they or their children or both had felt uncomfortable because of it, and almost one in five parents said no action had been taken to stop it.

This year’s campaign is calling on parents to:

The charity has launched a new video (which you can watch here) which explores how behaviour from the sidelines can affect young sportspeople.

Entitled My No.1 Fan, the short film features interviews with families talking about what positive parental behaviour and support means to them and how negative behaviour can impact children’s enjoyment of sport.

Angus Kinnear, CEO at Leeds United, said: “We know that parental support makes a huge difference to young people starting out in their sporting careers, so encouraging positive behaviour on the side lines from parents from when their child first starts out in their activity is very important.

“Everyone at the club is proud to be part of the community here in Leeds, and we’re pleased to be able to support the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week to help nurture the next generation of sportspeople.”

The NSPCC recognises that children enjoy sport and activities the most when parents are engaged in what they do, whether it is postgame support and cheerleading or showing an interest in the rules of the game.

As well as this new film, the NSPCC’s CPSU hosts a wealth of resources and information for parents on the Parents’ Hub, including a free e-learning course for parents on keeping children safer in sport, videos, podcasts and factsheets.

Michelle North, head of CPSU, said: “We’re delighted that Leeds United are supporting this year’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week.

“We know that inappropriate behaviour has a negative impact on young people and affects their enjoyment of the sport or activity, which in positive and safe environments can bring a lot of fulfilment to their lives.

“It is important that sports organisations and activity providers not only work with their staff and volunteers but with parents too to ensure that children have the safest and most enjoyable experience in sport.”

The NSPCC and its CPSU want to bring together parents and sports clubs and bodies to help give them the confidence and knowledge about the role they can play in keeping their children safe in sports and activity settings.

Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, added: “Being your child’s biggest supporter can help instil in them a lifelong love of sport, and help them build friendships and confidence. It can also help you learn about what makes their sports club safe and how to spot the signs that something might be wrong.

“Our Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week campaign highlights how important parents and carers are in a child's sporting life. You can make a difference by being involved and supporting your child in their club or activity in a positive way and helping to spread the word about keeping children safe in sport.”

The NSPCC is encouraging parents to get involved and learn more about their local sports clubs and safeguarding and to be part of the team, on the CPSU parent hub via the official website.

To find out more about being your child’s biggest supporter and how to get involved with the campaign, visit thecpsu.org.uk/parents.