THE SCENARIO
An athlete expresses concerns to you that they are worried about their peer, a 17-year-old athlete on the talent programme. They describe this person as “a bit isolated” and say that they rarely engage in social activities or spend time with the other young people. Other athletes in the group have told the coach that they are concerned about the young athlete’s mood swings.
Over recent weeks, the coach has heard an increase in negative comments by the young person about themselves and they have become further withdrawn from activities, not even participating in discussions in the last couple of weeks.
THE SPORT WELFARE RESPONSE
If you believe the young person is at immediate risk of harm (for example, suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviour), contact their parent/carer and call 999 immediately.
Otherwise:
Report your concerns to your Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible. If they are unavailable, seek advice from your National Governing Body safeguarding team or the NSPCC helpline (0808 500 8000)
You are not expected to be an expert in mental health, and it is not your role to fix the situation. However, you do have a responsibility to notice, respond and support.
In practice
Small, everyday actions can make a real difference. This might be as simple as noticing changes in behaviour or mood, checking in with the young person if you feel able to, and helping them access the right support where needed.
Things to consider
Avoid making assumptions about what might be going on. Instead, give the young person space to guide the conversation. If in doubt, ask rather than assume.
If you decide to speak with them, choose a quiet, informal setting away from the group, with another adult nearby. Start by reassuring them that it is okay to talk and that they do not need to carry things on their own.
Keep the conversation open and low pressure. Questions such as:
- “How have things been for you recently?”
- “What’s been a highlight or a challenge this week?”
- “Is there anything you’ve found difficult lately?”
These can help open things up. If helpful, you might also ask them to describe how they are feeling on a simple scale and explore what is influencing that.
If they do share something, listen carefully. Show empathy and acknowledge how they are feeling. For example, “That sounds really tough” or “I’m glad you told me.” Avoid dismissive responses such as “don’t worry” or “it’ll pass.”
If they are not ready to talk, that’s okay. You can ask whether there is someone else they feel more comfortable speaking to, and how you might best support them at this stage.
If they mention they have felt this way before, it can be helpful to ask what supported them previously and what might help now.
Where appropriate, consider whether there may be wider factors affecting them, such as changes in circumstances, health, or additional needs. You do not need to identify the cause, but it can help shape how you respond.
Empower the young person to have a say in what happens next. Do not assume they want further support, ask whether they would find that helpful.
Be clear that you cannot promise to keep concerns confidential if their safety is at risk. Safeguarding involves sharing information with appropriate individuals to ensure the right support can be provided.
If concerns continue, remain alert to any wider signs that additional support may be needed and ensure appropriate safeguarding processes are followed.
Support and resources
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 500 8000
- Childline: 0800 1111 | https://www.childline.org.uk/
- Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/
For a full list of support services, please contact the London Sport Sport Welfare Team at [email protected]
Takeaway
Small, calm conversations handled well can make a real difference to how safe a young person feels.
