Newcastle United and Foundation support The FA Play Safe Weekend
Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle United are joining English football clubs at every level uniting to promote Play Safe this weekend – a national campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.
The FA Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays WSL2, National League and across the grassroots game.
At St. James’ Park, campaign branding will be displayed as Newcastle United host Arsenal on Sunday. Both team captains will wear Play Safe armbands and managers will show their support with Play Safe pin badges. The message will also be visible across Newcastle United Academy fixtures, reinforcing the club’s commitment to safeguarding at every level.
This year’s theme – ‘Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think’ – focuses on giving young people a voice and provides a call to action for every adult in football to create open conversations, ask questions, and actively listen to children.
Engaging with thousands of children every year, both Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle United Football Club are committed to being a place where everyone is safe, heard, valued and able to thrive with core safeguarding principles underpinning all Club and charity work.
Jonny Larkin, Head of Safeguarding at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Creating a positive and inclusive environment for everyone who takes part in our programmes is central to our work at Newcastle United Foundation — whether that’s in schools, on the pitch, or at our community hub, NUCASTLE.
“At both Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle United, safeguarding is a top priority. We are fully committed to protecting the wellbeing of every individual and community we work with, leading by example and taking proactive steps to ensure people feel safe, supported, and empowered.
“We encourage everyone involved in football to use the Play Safe weekend as an opportunity to reflect on their role in keeping children and young people safe — regardless of their position or responsibilities.
“By working together, we can continue to build a culture of safety across all levels of the game.”
The Play Safe Weekend encourages clubs and leagues to play their part in making the game safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.
Sue Ravenlaw, The FA’s Head of Safeguarding said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and this year’s FA Play Safe campaign is all about encouraging adults in football to actively listen to children — to notice the small things, ask questions, and create a safe space for open conversations.
“We want every club, league and individual involved in the game to feel confident in their role and proud of the part they play in keeping football safe, fun and inclusive for all. We’re excited to see the football community come together once again to show their support and commitment across our Play Safe weekend and beyond.
“We also hope to see many more parents and carers completing our free online awareness training, which is designed to provide greater insight into this important area of our game.”
The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group [FASSSAG] has added its support to the campaign: “We’re right behind Play Safe 25, and its theme – Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think.
“As people with lived experience of child sexual abuse in football, we believe it’s absolutely essential to ensure than children and young people feel that they can speak up and will be heard.
“Creating ever-safer spaces by building children’s trust and confidence that their views do matter, they will be listened to, and their thoughts and feelings can help to shape the decision making about their experiences, is crucial.”
If you have concerns about someone or something does not feel right, contact Newcastle United Foundation’s Safeguarding team by email foundation.safeguarding@nufc.co.uk
Alternatively, contact Newcastle United Football Club’s Safeguarding and Welfare team by email safeguarding@nufc.co.uk
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