Double Commonwealth medallist swimmer supporting NSPCC’s Parents in Sport Week

• NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) has been holding its annual Parents in Sport Week, ending on Sunday 7 October
• Sporting organisations across Wales, including Swim Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have supported this year’s event

Friday 5 October

A DOUBLE Commonwealth Games medallist has lent his support to the NSPCC’s Parents in Sport Week, highlighting the important role they play in their children’s activities.

City of Swansea Aquatics and Wales swimmer Daniel Jervis claimed a silver medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Games in the 1500m freestyle, adding to the bronze he won four years earlier in the same event in Glasgow.

The Team GB swimmer, from Resolven near Neath, made reference to role his parents played in supporting him, even things did not go to plan.

Daniel said: “My parents have supported me by recognising that I will, at times, have poor swims and not getting on my case and giving me a hard time.”

Swim Wales are one of a number of organisations in Wales supporting Parents in Sport Week, including the Welsh Rugby Union and Golf Wales.

The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is highlighting the important role parents play in youth sport through its annual awareness raising event – Parents in Sport Week – which this year has run between 1-7 October.

The aim of Parents in Sport Week is to encourage parents and sports clubs to work together to help children reach their full potential.

It is also an opportunity for sports clubs to reach out to parents who may be less engaged and get them on board.

Parents play a hugely pivotal role in encouraging and supporting their child’s participation, success and enjoyment when playing sport. So it is essential that sports clubs communicate regularly with parents so that both coach and parent work towards the same goals.

Anne Tiivas, the service head at CPSU, added: “We know parents play a critical role in youth sport.

“In fact, without parental support and involvement – from washing kits to the taxi of mum and dad – it’s likely that youth sport would cease to exist.

“We also know that without parents’ involvement in their child’s sport, children are less likely to achieve and sustain a lifelong interest in sport and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

“Parents in Sport Week is important because it encourages parents to make sure they are positively influencing their child’s involvement and wellbeing in sport and recognise their role in keeping them safe. It also encourages clubs to ensure they are engaging with parents.”

Des Mannion, the head of NSPCC Cymru, said: “A big thank you to Daniel and all the organisations who have supported the NSPCC’s CPSU Parents in Sport Week.

“Parents and clubs have a really important role to play. Children’s enjoyment and well-being in sport rests with them and we owe it to children to make sure they are getting the most out of their sport.

“I encourage everyone to visit the CPSU website and find out how you can ensure your child is reaching their potential.”

This Parents in Sport Week, parents are being asked to:

• Ensure that sports clubs provide the information they need so they can make informed choices about the clubs or activities they send their child to.
• Look at their behaviour to make sure they are a positive influence. Advice is available on the CPSU website to support parents in this.

To lend their support, sports clubs can:

• Make sure they tell parents what they can do if they have a concern, such as calling the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000).
• Be open with parents about what their child needs from them in relation to their behaviour.
• Use our resources to engage with parents, help them to support their child and raise awareness of the impact positive parental involvement can have on youth sport.

For more information about Parents in Sport Week, and for downloadable resources for both parents and clubs, visit the CPSU website.