English football is uniting again over the above weekend to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.

Led by The Football Association, the 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 and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game.

This season we asked EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals if they wish) – to tell us what they are planning to do to make a difference over the Play Safe weekend and to share this via an online Play Safe Pledge. 

The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group (FASSSAG) continues to support Play Safe: “Creating safe environments in every football setting is a collective responsibility. It’s really important that every single person in football – no matter if they’re actively involved or on the sidelines – understands that they have an ongoing role to play. Knowing how to act on any concerns is vital and Play Safe is a key way to raise awareness so that everyone is vigilant and knows what to do if they become aware of any inappropriate behaviour.” 

This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE has to play – coach, player, parent/carer, spectator or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns. 

These messages are reflected in the visuals on this page, which are examples of the various digital and print resources being distributed to every County FA, league and club in England. Captain’s armbands will be worn at various levels of the game over the weekend. Head coaches/managers are also being asked to wear Play Safe pin badges to show their support. 

It’s all part of football in England uniting to create an ever-safer culture across the game at every level.

What are Derbyshire FA planning to do on Play Safe Weekend 2023?

Derbyshire FA will be active over the weekend promoting Play Safe and the importance of safeguarding to both the professional and grassroots sides of the game in our county.

On Saturday, Derbyshire FA will be present at Derby County's home fixture against Cambridge United at Pride Park Stadium. Play Safe messages will be shown to all match-goers on the big screen, in the matchday programme, through children's activity packs and of course the video shown above, where Derby County manager Paul Warne and Derby County Women manager Samantha Griffiths speak out about the importance of safeguarding. The video also features youth players from Derby County's Academy, as well as representatives from Derbyshire FA's Youth Council.

On Sunday, Derbyshire FA will work in tandem with the Grassroots League of the Year, Derby Junior Football League, to spread awareness of Play Safe to the grassroots community. County FA staff will position themselves across three different venues used by the league, and will engage in conversation with players, parents, coaches and referees about Play Safe, asking for feedback and thoughts.

We're backing Play Safe.