YSF Safeguarding and Welfare News – February 2026

Welcome to our February newsletter!

We will even bring you one of our Club Welfare Officer kits, which contains a hi-vis waistcoat and lanyard to ensure that you’re visible during training sessions, events, and on match days. It also contains a useful pen and notebook, along with a QR code keyring that takes you straight to the resources on our website.

Get in touch with Measha if you’re based in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees or Wakefield, and give Nicola a shout if you’re in Leeds, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham or Sheffield. We hope to see you soon!

Young Carers

Young Carers Day is 11 March. Many children and young people have caring responsibilities for relatives who have health conditions, disabilities, addictions or other additional needs. For some, this might be things like taking on extra household tasks, whereas others might need to assist someone with taking medication or personal care. We know from statistics that often young carers aren't flagged up as having this role – they just get on with it as it's normality to them.

What can you do in your club to support and recognise young carers?

• Raise awareness of young carers. It may be that some children come forward to let you know they have caring responsibilities. If they do, have a chat about how you can best support them.
• Be aware of the challenges they might face – getting time away from their responsibilities can be difficult. They might not have many positive activities that are just for them.
• Proactively welcome young carers to your club. Find your local young carers service and approach them to see how you can work together.

Earlier this month I had a chat with Simon at Kelham Island Table Tennis Club to find out how he supports young carers and other groups.

The club started out as a few friends wanting to play table tennis together. They were really keen that they wanted the club to serve their community and be as accessible as possible. They approached some local organisations who supported vulnerable and marginalised groups of people, including Sheffield Young Carers, and offered free sessions. These really took off and the club is thriving, with some sessions giving the chance to 'chat and bat' for people who might otherwise be isolated.

Simon's advice is to decide what you want to offer and ring up charities or groups in your local area. Don't be deterred if some groups aren't interested – it's not for everyone. Start small and see how it grows. Giving someone an hour out of the house and watching them leave with a smile on their face is so rewarding and really makes you feel part of the community.

To find out more about Kelham Island Table Tennis Club watch this great video.

Sheffield Young Carers offer some free e-learning if you'd like to know more about supporting young carers. You can access it here.

Zero Discrimination

There are two campaigns relating to discrimination promoted during March. On 1 March it’s Zero Discrimination Day, and on 21 March it’s the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Our fantastic colleagues at Buddle have put together lots of resources around creating an inclusive culture, including some specifically around tacking discrimination.

Have you considered booking us to deliver active bystander training to your coaches, volunteers or participants? It’s a great way to learn about allyship, how to support people, and intervene in situations safely. It’s free of charge and can be delivered online or in person. Watch this video or get in touch to find out more.

Neurodiversity in Sport Session

Following a popular session during our Coach Development Week last October, we’re offering another subsidised session with Danny from Withinu. The Introduction to Neurodiversity session is 90 minutes long and covers:

• Statistics on Neurodiversity: A look at the prevalence of neurodiversity and how we see it trending in the   future.  
• Defining Neurodiversity: A broad look at what neurodiversity means and why it matters in grassroots sport. 
• Focus on ADHD and Autism: Characteristics, behavioural presentations and how these impact participation in grassroots sport. 
• Dyslexia and Dyspraxia: Their interactions with ADHD and Autism. 
• Equality Act 2010 Risks: Understanding how failure to make reasonable adjustments can put clubs at legal risk if a neurodivergent participant is placed at a substantial disadvantage (defined as “more than minor or trivial”)

This would normally be £19, however we are subsidising this so you only pay £9.

The session will take place on Wednesday 1 April from 6.30pm to 8pm. You can book a place here.

Respond with CLASS

The CPSU have released some new guidance around dealing with disclosures and responding to concerns. They suggest you respond with CLASS – stay calm, listen without judgement, acknowledge their feelings, focus on their safety and offer support.

You can find out more on their website.

Child Exploitation Awareness Day – free webinar

Wednesday 18 March is National Child Exploitation Awareness Day and the NWG Network are offering a free myth-busting webinar.

The session will cover:

• Common myths about CSE
• What CSE is
• How children are targeted and groomed for the purposes of CSE
• Signs that might indicate a child is at risk, being groomed or is a victim of CSE
• Where to go if you are worried a child is being groomed
• What is human trafficking
• What is the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
• Useful resources and videos on the NWG website

You can find out more and book a place here.

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Nicola Holmes
Senior Sport Welfare Officer
South Yorkshire and Leeds
07714 733650
nicola.holmes@yorkshiresport.org

Measha Harris
Sport Welfare Officer
West Yorkshire excluding Leeds
07714 733636
measha.harris@yorkshiresport.org