Oxfordshire FA will be joining with all of English football to unite again over the above weekend to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.

Led by The Football Association, the 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 and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game.

This season we are asking EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals if they wish) – to tell us what they are planning to do to make a difference over the Play Safe weekend and to share this via an online Play Safe Pledge.

MAKE YOUR PLAY SAFE PLEDGE

The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group (FASSSAG) continues to support Play Safe: “Creating safe environments in every football setting is a collective responsibility. It’s really important that every single person in football – no matter if they’re actively involved or on the side-lines – understands that they have an ongoing role to play. Knowing how to act on any concerns is vital and Play Safe is a keyway to raise awareness so that everyone is vigilant and knows what to do if they become aware of any inappropriate behaviour.”

This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE must play – coach, player, parent/carer, spectator, or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns.

Oxfordshire FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer Nigel Saverton said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, not just coaches but all club members, spectators, referees, parents, and players. The OFA will be mobile on the Play Safe weekend to spread this safeguarding message. We will be highlighting the safeguarding processes that are in place, so that we all know what to look for and where to get help should an issue arise as we all work to make football a fun and safe environment for everyone.”

To support the Play Safe weekend we would encourage anyone involved in any capacity in football to take the free on Safeguarding Awareness for Parents and Carers course by clicking here.

In addition all clubs will have received Captain’s armbands and Pay Safe pin badges and we hope everyone will wear theirs to show their support for the Play Safe weekend as It’s all part of football in England uniting to create an ever-safer culture across the game at every level.

We ask that all clubs so their support for the Play Safe weekend by signing the Play Safe pledge.

Top Tips

Want some more tips on how your League or Club can get involved?

Download The FA's 10 Tips to Show Your Support