Using AI responsibly in youth sport

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  is being used more in youth sports. Any AI platform that uses children’s data (from their body movements to their date of birth) needs strong governance. The CPSU have been working on a new, evidence-based and practical guide for sports organisations to help them use AI responsibly in their organisations. 

AI is increasingly being used across the sport sector to enhance coaching, streamline operations and support athlete development.   

According to Sport England and ukactive’s Digital Futures 2024 report, AI use in sport has risen by 3% since 2023.   

But with opportunity comes responsibility. AI that uses children’s data (from their body movements to their date of birth) needs strong governance. The risks are real and include privacy breaches, inaccurate predictions, bias, and unsafe digital communication. 

That’s why The CPSU has been working on a new, evidence-based and practical guide for national governing bodies, clubs and academies, due to be released soon. This guidance will explain what AI is, why it’s useful, the risks involved, and how to use it more safely and fairly to provide a safe and fun sporting experience for all children and young people. 

Here are the core principles at the heart of it.

Be clear about why you’re using AI 

Start with purpose. Choose AI only when it enhances coaching, learning or safety for young people.

Put children’s rights and privacy first 

For any tool that processes children’s data, organisations must follow UK GDPR, ICO guidance and the Children’s Code. Biometric data needs tougher governance.

Don’t adopt AI without a proper DPIA 

A Data Protection Impact Assessment helps you spot risks early, including bias, unfair assumptions, or unnecessary data use. 

Keep humans firmly in control 

AI can support but must never make decisions that affect a young person. Experienced and responsible adults stay in charge.  

Train your staff to use AI safely 

Most problems arise from human misunderstandings about how it works or what data can be shared. Make sure your staff are confident in using AI responsibly. 

Strengthen supplier checks 

Before buying any digital tool, ask suppliers about data storage, bias testing, training data sources, and whether your data will be used to train future AI models. 

Be open with parents and young people 

Families should know why AI is used, what data it relies on, and that they have choice to opt out of non‑essential features. 

The guidance will also include practical resources including policies, code of conduct wording, real-world examples and parent and carer information, so you can start using the guidance straight away. 

When used responsibly, AI can support coaching, admin efficiency and learning, but children’s rights, safety and wellbeing must always come first.