Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer backs NSPCC sport campaign

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has joined forces with Sunderland AFC and Northumberland Cricket Board as well as a host of ex-football pros in support of the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week campaign.

The campaign from the UK children’s charity is calling on parents of children participating in sports to recognise negative behaviour at sporting events and to understand how they can show positive support for their children.

A survey by the NSPCC revealed that more than one in four children who attended their child’s sports club or activity have seen or experienced inappropriate behaviour.

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

The NSPCC, who are currently having a dedicated week from Monday, October 2 until Friday, October 6 to Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport, have launched a video which explored how behaviour from the sidelines can affect young people in sport.

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Premier League and England football icon Alan Shearer said: “I’m supporting Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week because I think it’s really important that we support children in sport.

"I’m aware of the rises and falls of sport and it can be an emotional experience for young people. It is vital that adults are around young people every step of the way because they can make a huge difference. We need to keep supporting them in a positive way.”

A poll commissioned by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit also revealed that 68 percent of parents said that they or their children had felt uncomfortable due to inappropriate behaviour at sporting events, and one in five parents said no action had been taken to prevent it.

The campaign is calling on parents to understand their crucial safeguarding role in their child’s sport and keep them safe from possible abuse, as well as getting involved in their child’s sport club to show positive support.

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.”

To find out more about the Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign, please visit the Child Protection in Sport Unit website.