Each week more than eight million UK children take part in sport. They do so in a range of situations, from local groups to national competitions. But while most enjoy themselves in safety, a small number are at risk of abuse from individuals who choose sports work to gain access to children. Adults working in sport are also in a unique position to identify and act on concerns for childrens that arise outside the sporting environment.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) works with the UK Sports Councils, governing bodies and other organisations to help them minimise the risk of child abuse during sporting activities.

Central to this work is the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), which was founded in 2001 as a partnership between the NSPCC and Sport England. The Unit's role is to:

• Be the first point of contact for sports organisations about child protection issues and individuals after sports organisations.
• Co-ordinate the production of child protection information and training for sports organisations
• Commission research into a range of issues relating to child protection in sport
• Develop and promote standards for child protection procedures and training in all sports