Contact the NSPCC Helpline
You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected].
Our voice Helpline is available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday. You can email [email protected] at any time for free. You have the option to remain anonymous.
If we have not yet responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.
Under 18?
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
Supporting your child in their sporting life
Knowing how to best support your child can be difficult, especially during emotional times like matches, performances, competitions or selection stages.
Supporting your child emotionally and practically
Parents and carers play a big role in encouraging children to take part in sport or physical activity, which is important if we want our children to live healthy and active lifestyles.
How you support your child can look different for many parents. It could mean washing kits, being their personal cheerleader or being the team taxi driver. But it also means making sure their sport is a safe place for them to thrive and enjoy.
What you do and what you say will make a difference to how your child feels, but it also makes a difference to how safe they are in their sport. Remember – if you see something, say something:
- report any negative behaviour from any adult or child
- raise any concerns or worries
"The adults were shouting at the ref because apparently he’d been making the wrong decision. It made me feel a bit disgusted, because the ref shouldn’t be spoken to like that."
Young football player
- listen to your child about their experiences in their sport or activity
- talk openly about how they feel and what support they need
- reassure them that however they feel, it is ok to feel how they do
- let your child know you’re proud of them for many different reasons and tell them
- encourage from the sidelines – stay positive
- praise progression as well as performance
- help your child prepare for sport by cleaning kits, prepping food and drinks so they don't stress about being ready
- ensure your child arrives on time and is collected on time (by an approved adult that is known to the sport club or activity, and has permission to do so)
- get to know sports staff so you can build confidence in them to help your child develop
- respect the officials’ and referees’ decisions and treat them with respect
- respect all players and other spectators
Chatting after sport
When feelings are running high, it’s easy to say the wrong thing. Here are some tips for talking with your child after training, a game or competition.
When they’re ready
Give your child time to complete their cool-down and talk with their coach and teammates. Wait until they’re ready before discussing what happened.
- Tip: Every child and situation is different, so ask them how they would like to talk.
Where they feel comfortable
It’s not always easy for young people to talk with parents in front of their peers, especially if it’s overly positive or negative.
- Tip: Wait until your child is in a private environment, away from their team.
What they did well
Focusing talk on the outcome can leave children feeling under pressure. Celebrate and offer feedback on areas your child can control, such as attitude, behaviour, and personal skills development.
- Tip: Encourage your child to say what they think – be ready to listen and make sure you’re positive and focus on what they can improve, not criticising their performance.
- Tip: Be on the same page as the coach and keep the conversation appropriate for both yours and your child’s level of knowledge.
Being part of the sport community
Being part of an open and inclusive sport community that focuses on what’s best for all children can help keep sport safe and fun.
Having an understanding and interest in your child’s sports club or activity will help to create a space where your child feels able to share their experiences with you. Good or bad. This can help you:
- be part of the team
- build good relationships with the club, the coaches, staff, volunteers and players
- support your child and their friends
- understand the possible challenges and risks in the sport
- raise helpful suggestions about how to improve things, as well as voicing any concerns you or your child may have
Resources for parents
Don't forget to have fun!
A free book for families
Don’t Forget to Have Fun! What Kids Hear When Parents Cheer is a beautifully illustrated children's book that explores the emotional impact of parental behaviour in youth sports.
Based on years of research on the topic of parent involvement in youth sports, it's written for parents and children to read together. The story ends with questions to help families talk about how to support children.
Themes and messages
- positive parenting in sport: encouragement and support matter more than pressure and criticism
- children’s emotions: children are deeply affected by what parents say and how they behave during games
- empathy and friendship: David and Emily show kindness and understanding toward Dylan
The book is licensed under Creative Commons, meaning it can be shared free of charge as long as it's not altered and credit is given to the team that created it. It was written by Professor Camilla Knight and Dr Kurtis Pankow, and illustrated by Amy Gallagher.
More help and advice
We all want children and young people to enjoy taking part in sport – and parents play a key role in that. Find out what else you can do.