The FA-led national safeguarding campaign lasts all year – but its highlight is the annual Play Safe Weekend. 

This year that’s on 28th/29th September, when the whole of football in England – from the professional game to the grassroots, and every level in between – joins forces to promote awareness of the importance of safeguarding across the game we all love.

Once again the Play Safe weekend is endorsed by leading children’s charity the NSPCC and will see a huge range of activity across the nation, fuelled by the encouragement and resources The FA provides.

“The central push behind this year’s weekend is to create awareness among individuals of the vital safeguarding role they can play in football. It really is about Everyone Everywhere, Every Time,” says Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding.  

To give Play Safe visibility, all grassroots clubs have been provided with free captains’ armbands and Play Safe badges for coaches.

In addition, County FAs, as well as leagues and clubs at every level, have been provided with digital and print assets. A specially-commissioned Play Safe film has been provided for County FAs, leagues and clubs to link to via their websites and social media.

“Then it’s over to everyone to decide how they want to showcase their safeguarding work,” says Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding. “There were some great examples last year which resulted in reaching three million people – we’re aiming for more this year.”