Several top sporting bodies were commended for achieving the NSPCC’s child protection in sports standards at an event hosted by Welsh Minister for Housing, Regeneration & Heritage Huw Lewis.
The Welsh Rugby Union were recognised for their commitment to safeguarding and protecting children after 12 months of successfully working towards achieving standards within the national child protection framework. The framework provides practical support for sporting organisations and groups throughout Wales to help raise child protection standards within their sport.
Welsh Rugby Union Safeguarding manager Sarah Jones said: “The WRU Safeguarding Unit is thrilled to receive recognition as a leading sport in Wales for the safeguarding work they have been doing over the last 15 months.
“It is of paramount importance that the WRU provides a safe environment for all young people who play rugby union; and achieving level 2 of the national standards shows the commitment of the WRU to strive to do this. There is plenty more to be done and support, training and education of our clubs and valuable club safeguarding officers is next on the agenda. This is a great achievement that we can now build on over the coming months and years.’
Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Huw Lewis said: “The safeguarding of children is a key priority for the Welsh Government, not just in sport but in all aspects of life. Congratulations to the nine National Governing bodies of Sport who have achieved level two of the framework for safeguarding and protecting children in and through sport. “
Head of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit Anne Tiivas said: “The CPSU recognises and commends all these sports for the substantial amount of time and effort that has been put in to complete the Safeguarding Standards and to ensure children involved in sport in Wales have a safer and more enjoyable experience.”
Professor Laura McAllister, Chair Sport Wales said: “ At Sport Wales our aspiration is to get every child hooked on sport for life and in order to achieve this we need to work with our partners to ensure that sport is both safe and enjoyable. In everything we do the safety of children and young people’s needs to be paramount, whilst also ensuring that sport continues to provide appropriate challenge in order to develop skills.
“I am pleased that we are able to celebrate the achievements of the governing bodies that have reached this standard, but we realise that we have to continue to be vigilant. We have developed a very productive working relationship with NSPCC Cymru/Wales on this issue and we look forward to continuing to develop our work with them to make sport in Wales safe for all children and young people.”
During the event young people were presented with artwork which they designed to create the certificate awarded to each sport for their achievements. WRU and Ospreys player Ryan Jones in his capacity as NSPCC Cymru/Wales ambassador presented first, second and third prizes to two of the lucky winners during the event.
First prize – Mairwen Sharpe, aged eight from Wrexham
Second prize – Theo Gear, aged eight from Bridgend
Third prize – Kate Workman, aged 10 from Miskin
