SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN SPORT

Abstract

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide and millions of children around the world are involved in it. Many of them play, whether in organised matches or tournaments. At the same time, almost all children follow a favorite team, learning valuable life lessons such as loyalty and team work. In this context, involving children in playing football requires ensuring and respecting their right to a safe environment, a culture of respect and understanding within the football team. Every child has the right to enjoy football in a safe and inclusive environment, free from any form of abuse, harassment or exploitation, and the failure to ensure all the aforementioned conditions is a violation of children’s rights.