Blog: Keeping Our Children Safe in Sport – A Parent’s Perspective

Sunday mornings have taken on a whole new meaning for my family. What started as a simple idea—taking my two young boys to junior parkrun for a run around the park—has grown into a cherished weekly ritual. Beyond the fresh air and fun, it’s also become a powerful reminder of how sport can be a safe, inclusive, and joyful experience for children.

To mark Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, I wanted to share our story—not just as a parent, but as someone who’s seen firsthand how community sport can nurture confidence, connection, and wellbeing.

From our very first visit, we were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. Volunteers, dressed in Halloween costumes, greeted us with smiles and high fives, instantly putting my boys at ease. The first-timers briefing was delivered with kindness and encouragement, making it clear that every child—regardless of ability—was supported to run, walk, hop, or skip their way around the course.

As a parent, that sense of safety and inclusion was everything. I knew my children were in good hands. The marshals cheered them on, celebrated their efforts, and made them feel valued. It wasn’t about competition—it was about community. And that’s exactly what safe sport should feel like.

junior parkrun’s ethos aligns perfectly with the goals of Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week. It’s about creating environments where children feel empowered, protected, and inspired.

Twelve months on and we’re no longer parkrun newbies. My boys look forward to it every week, and so do I. It’s become a space where we connect—not just with each other, but with a wider community that shares a commitment to keeping children active and safe.

As a parent, I urge others to explore opportunities like junior parkrun. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just enjoys being outdoors, these experiences can help shape their confidence and wellbeing for years to come.