Mums and dads need to encourage their children to play sport, a leading Ipswich Town player has said.
The Blues have lent their support to Parents in Sport Week, which is being run by children’s charity the NSPCC and takes place between October 1 and 7.
The organisation believes parents play a hugely pivotal role in encouraging and supporting their child’s participation, success and enjoyment when playing sport.
It has therefore launched a campaign to encourage parents to take more of an interest in their child’s sporting activities and pushing them to achieve their best.
And it has been backed by Ipswich Town and the Tractor Boys’ midfielder Cole Skuse, who said: “I know from my own experience how important the support of parents is to a youngster taking part in sport.
“My parents gave up their time to take me everywhere to play football. Outside the game itself, they have been the biggest influence on my career.”
The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) believes parents should work closely with sports clubs to ensure their children are reaching their full potential and therefore motivated to continue playing.
The charity also sees it as an opportunity for sports clubs to reach out to parents who may be less engaged and get them on board.
Anne Tiivas, service head at CPSU, added: “We know parents play a critical role in youth sport. “In fact, without parental support and involvement – from washing kits to the taxi of mum and dad – it’s likely that youth sport would cease to exist.
“We also know that without parents’ involvement in their child’s sport, children are less likely to achieve and sustain a lifelong interest in sport and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
“Parents in Sport Week is important because it encourages parents to make sure they are positively influencing their child’s involvement and wellbeing in sport and recognise their role in keeping them safe.
“It also encourages clubs to ensure they are engaging with parents.”
For more information about Parents in Sport Week, and for downloadable resources for both parents and clubs, visit the CPSU website.
What do you think? Email newsroom@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here