Why safeguarding matters in sport and community spaces

Keeping children and young people safe where they spend time

Every child and young person has the right to enjoy sport, physical activity and community spaces safely, without the risk of harm or exploitation.

In Essex, safeguarding in sport and community settings is part of the Risk in the Community (RIC) approach. This recognises that exploitation can occur outside the home, in everyday places where young people spend time, build relationships and are influenced by others.

Sport clubs, gyms and leisure providers are not assumed to be unsafe environments. However, these settings often involve trust, access and varying levels of supervision. Strengthening safeguarding awareness helps reduce opportunities for exploitation, supports early identification of concerns and creates safer spaces for young people.

As part of this work, partners across Essex work directly with sport and leisure providers, including visiting gyms and community facilities, to raise awareness, share good practice and support stronger safeguarding arrangements. This partnership activity focuses on:

• Raising awareness of exploitation risks
• Supporting staff confidence in spotting concerns
• Encouraging clear safeguarding processes and reporting routes
• Sharing examples of effective practice

Sport and physical activity can involve trusted adults and peer leaders, regular unsupervised or semi‑supervised contact, and young people spending time away from home. In the vast majority of cases, coaches, volunteers and staff act with professionalism and care. However, safeguarding remains vital because trust and opportunity can be misused, and early signs of harm may be subtle.

Through strong safeguarding practice, sport and community providers can:

• Reduce opportunities for exploitation
• Build safer environments for young people
• Support children and young people to speak up if something doesn’t feel right

Safeguarding works best when we work together to protect children and young people in all the places they train, play and belong.