The NSPCC and British Cycling have joined forces with more than 100 sports organisations in the UK and Ireland to promote Parents in Sport Week.
From 3 to 9 October, we want everyone to rally behind our efforts to underline the positive, supporting role that parents play.
Through Parents in Sport Week, the NSPCC and British Cycling are helping to change the conversation and remind everyone of the important and extremely valuable contribution parents make to youth sport.
Parents and carers play a key role in a child’s lifelong involvement in cycling and it’s important to encourage and support parents to help their child achieve their full potential.
The NSPCC and British Cycling want to raise awareness among coaches and officials of the crucial role parents have in helping children enjoy sport.
Dr Camilla Knight of Swansea University, who studies parental involvement in sport, said: “Without the support of their parents and carers, the opportunities for children to engage in sport and reach their full potential will be limited.”
However many sports know of ‘over-involved’ or ‘pushy’ parents. Dr Knight added: “Unfortunately, this is leading to some coaches and organisations limiting their involvement with - and support of - parents, which subsequently affects children’s experiences.”
Anne Tiivas, director of the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), said: “From Olympic athletes to grassroots players, there is consistent agreement that parents are most important in initiating involvement in sport and supporting long-term positive engagement.”
However, certain types of involvement and behaviours from parents and carers can be challenging, and take away from a child’s experience and enjoyment. This negative behaviour and involvement can stunt a child’s desire to continue in sport and damage their perception of sport as fun.
We at British Cycling are fully behind this initiative to raise awareness of the positive role a parent has in helping a child reach their full potential.
How can you get involved?
Parents in Sport week provides us with a great opportunity to promote the crucial role parents play in supporting young cyclists to love what they do and achieve their potential.
Everyone in cycling has a part to play and you can spread the word at your club, event or session by using and sharing some of the resources that have been produced by British Cycling and the NSPCC.
Download a poster that British Cycling has produced that you can display at your sessions and events during Parents in Sport week, but also at any other time too.
The NSPCC has produced resources for clubs to use with parents and their own coaches, including codes of conduct and videos for parents and coaches.
If you would like to discuss how you can get involved in the campaign or share with us your plans and comments, please contact the compliance team on 0161 274 2082 or at compliance@britishcycling.org.uk.
