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The NSPCC has reported a 10% increase in contacts from adults raising child protection concerns in sporting settings, with sexual abuse and exploitation the most frequently reported concerns.
The charity’s Helpline received 683 contacts from adults across the UK in 2025/26 relating to child protection in sport, compared with the previous year. Almost one in five contacts involved concerns about sexual abuse and exploitation, followed by emotional and physical abuse.
The figures highlight concerns about the conduct of sports professionals and other parents, as well as the adequacy of safeguarding procedures within clubs and organisations.
One parent who contacted the NSPCC Helpline raised concerns about a dance teacher allegedly communicating with pupils by text and meeting them outside class. The parent said they were reluctant to approach the school directly because of how previous complaints had been handled and requested anonymity.
Another anonymous contact raised concerns about a sports club director who had allegedly made discriminatory comments about children. They also described the club’s management as chaotic and expressed fears about the possible consequences of raising concerns.
The NSPCC released the figures as it announced that its Child Protection in Sport Unit had been renamed NSPCC Sport, marking the service’s 25th anniversary.
The service works with sporting organisations to help them create safe and inclusive environments for children and young people. It provides guidance on safeguarding procedures and promotes children’s welfare in sport and physical activity.
NSPCC Sport was established in 2001 and works in partnership with organisations including the Premier League, the Football Association, UK Sport and the sport councils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Team GB artistic gymnast and NSPCC Friend Max Whitlock OBE said every child should be able to participate in sport without fear of harm. He urged clubs and sporting groups to work with NSPCC Sport to ensure activities provide a safe and positive environment for children.
Christian McMullen, the NSPCC’s professional learning services director, said the new figures demonstrated that further work was needed to improve safeguarding in sporting settings.
He said the service had spent 25 years helping organisations prioritise children’s welfare and implement robust safeguarding procedures, adding that it hoped to reach more organisations to help them provide safe and supportive environments.
McMullen encouraged adults with concerns about children in sport to contact the NSPCC for support.
