Preston North End are fully supporting the Play Safe campaign, which has been developed by The FA and will be promoted this weekend.
Play Safe, in partnership with the NSPCC, runs throughout the entire year, but is being backed by the EFL and other national football competitions specifically on the weekend of 1st/2nd October.
The campaign is in place to raise awareness of safeguarding provision across football, with particular focus this year on the vital role parents and carers have to play.
PNE’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Carole Player said: “For me, safeguarding means that we can be protective adults and a voice for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
“It’s so important that we listen to children and that those protective adults around them can do something to take care of them, to look after them and listen to what they have to say.
“Safeguarding knowledge and understanding and being able to recognise it is hugely important, and it isn’t just about the professionals that are involved in looking after children and vulnerable adults. It’s for everybody to understand that they have a role and a part to play.
“I would encourage everyone to undertake the free safeguarding training so they can spot the signs and be able to have conversations with young people if needed.”
Preston North End will recognise the campaign on Saturday 1st October as they face Sunderland away from home, with the captain set to wear a Play Safe armband, while manager Ryan Lowe will wear a pin badge.
There will then be plenty going on inside and around Deepdale on Wednesday 5th October when PNE face West Brom in Championship action.
Supporters will be able to scan QR codes around the stadium, via posters, the matchday programme or in hospitality, which will take them to a short and free safeguarding course. You can also access the course by clicking here.
Encouraging people to take the course, The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group say: “We have inputted into the course and helped frame its key messages from our collective experiences.
“It’s vitally important to us that every parent/carer understands the role they need to play in football. Taking this course can make a real difference – we are asking every parent/carer to commit to help ensure football is ever-safer.”