The need to enhance the skills of coaches in managing violence against children, to better evaluate child protection policies implemented by sports organizations and to create synergies between sports and government agencies were highlighted during the two-day online European workshop organized by the EU funded project -led by KMOP- ACTIVE Focus on Children; Strengthening Policies in Sports and Leisure ACTIVities on October 14th & 15th.
The aim of the workshop was to promote child protection policies in sports organizations in Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Portugal, by transferring know-how from Scottish organizations. Among the participants were 25 representatives of sports and social organizations from the aforementioned countries, including Rangers Football Club, Scottish Rugby Union, Scottish Curling, Scottish Swimming, Sportscotland. In addition, representatives from Fundacao Benfica and European Football Development Network participated in the event.
All stakeholders agreed that sports organizations should create and promote a culture that respects diversity and promotes positive social messages. It was also pointed out that informing and raising awareness to parents and volunteers as well as the development of a code of conduct for all sports stakeholders can contribute to the prevention of violence against children.
If you work in the field of sports and leisure activities contact us and learn more about the online self assessment tool, which aims at helping sports organizations assess their child protection policies. Moreover, the ACTIVE team will design training modules for strengthening the capacities of sports coaches, volunteers in managing violence against children.
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