Alan Shearer outlines his motivation to help young children as he backs NSPCC campaign
Former footballer Alan Shearer is one of several sports stars supporting the NSPCC's Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week which aims to raise awareness of safeguarding in sports
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorFormer England striker Alan Shearer is backing the NSPCC's Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week.
Shearer is one of a number of celebrities supporting the campaign along with Traitors star Fay Greaves, Olympic weightlifter Chloe Whylie and former swimmer Michael Gunning. David Lean, a survivor of sexual abuse by former Manchester City scout Barry Bennell, is another involved with the campaign.
A week of action was launched on Monday, with the NSPCC looking to raise awareness of safeguarding in sports to try and create safer environments for children to play. The NSPCC Helpline had over 400 concerns raised about children in sports settings last year, with 22 percent of those about sexual abuse and exploitation.
The Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign aims to give parents, carers, sporting clubs and teams the knowledge to protect young people and foster an inclusive environment. "As a parent and someone who has spent a lifetime in sport, I understand the vital role sport plays in shaping young lives," Shearer said.
"That's why I'm proud to support the NSPCC's 'Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport' Week. Ensuring that our children can enjoy their sports in a safe, supportive environment is not just important, it's essential.
"Parents have a key role to play in protecting their children, and this campaign is all about raising awareness and empowering them to act. Sport should be a place where kids thrive, learn, and have fun, and every child deserves to feel safe while doing what they love."
NSPCC CEO Sir Peter Wanless added: "By participating in this year's campaign, clubs are showing that they are serious about creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable sporting environment for young people.
"Each year, Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week gets stronger, and it provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can all work together to ensure that every child can participate in sport free from harm."
Michelle North, Head of the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit, said: "Safeguarding children in sport is a shared responsibility. This campaign gives us the opportunity to come together as a community to ensure that the safety and well-being of young athletes are always our top priority.
"By getting involved in this initiative, sports clubs, coaches, and parents can help create a culture where safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of the sporting experience. We think by hosting team huddles across the country, this can have an enormous impact and can help a positive change in attitudes."
To find out more about how to get involved with the campaign, visit thecpsu.org.uk/safeinsport
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