The EFL and EFL in the Community are joining forces with the FA and Clubs across the country to mark Play Safe Weekend, taking place on 27-28 September.
The FA Play Safe campaign champions safeguarding across the game, with leagues and clubs, including ourselves here at Gillingham, working together all season long to play their part in making the game ever-safer, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere.
The theme for Play Safe 2025 is “Small Talk Is Bigger Than You Think” and is about creating environments where children and young people feel empowered and listened to, so they have space to talk and feel safe to share.
Sue Ravenlaw, The FA’s Head of Safeguarding said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and this year’s FA Play Safe campaign is all about encouraging adults in football to actively listen to children — to notice the small things, ask questions, and create a safe space for open conversations.
“We want every club, league and individual involved in the game to feel confident in their role and proud of the part they play in keeping football safe, fun and inclusive for all. We’re excited to see the football community come together once again to show their support and commitment across our Play Safe weekend and beyond. We also hope to see many more parents and carers completing our free online awareness training, which is designed to provide greater insight into this important area of our game.”
The EFL continues to embed safeguarding into everyday football culture through education, collaboration, and proactive risk management, by delivering a wide-ranging training programme tailored to roles across clubs and club charities.
Mandatory courses for directors, safeguarding officers and senior managers, alongside specialist modules on topics like online safety and trauma-informed practice, are offered and the League also provides accessible online learning and webinars to ensure consistent standards and continuous development.
If you have a safeguarding concern, or would like some advice, please contact Safeguarding@efl.com and more detail on the EFL’s Safeguarding strategy can be found here. Gillingham FC's Safeguarding policies can be found here.
Further information on the Play Safe campaign can be found here.
