09/10/2026
PLAY SAFE WEEKEND 2026
As the end of the week draws in, we wanted to reflect on last weekend - Play Safe 2026!
Across Saturday and Sunday, Nottinghamshire FA staff visited four selected grassroots clubs:
• Underwood Villa
• St Ann’s and Sneinton United
• Toton United Youth
• Retford United Juniors
Across the four visits, we had the opportunity to engage with approximately 400 children, including players, children watching and siblings who came along to support.
Our staff arrived with plenty of Play Safe goodies, including:
🎁 Lucky-dip toys
📘 Play Safe activity packs
🖍️ Crayon packs
⭐ Earl stickers
⚽ Child-friendly activities and conversation starters
The resources weren’t only for the players. We wanted every child attending to feel included, whether they were playing, supporting a sibling or simply enjoying the football, because nobody should be left out.
This year’s Play Safe campaign focused on keeping the conversation going and showing children that their voices matter.
Throughout the weekend, our staff spoke with children, families, coaches and volunteers about the importance of helping every child to:
💬 Feel confident speaking up
👂 Know that adults will listen
🤝 Know who they can turn to for help
😊 Feel safe, supported and included
⭐ Understand that their views can influence positive change
It was fantastic to see children exploring the activity packs, getting creative with their crayons, collecting their Earl stickers and, of course, choosing something from the lucky dip!
A huge thank you to Underwood Villa, St Ann’s and Sneinton United, Toton United Youth and Retford United Juniors for welcoming our staff and helping us make Play Safe visible, positive and child-friendly throughout the weekend.
Thank you as well to every coach, volunteer, parent, carer and young person who stopped to speak with us and got involved.
Play Safe Weekend may be over, but the conversation doesn’t stop here.
Let’s keep talking, keep listening and continue working together to make football safe, positive and enjoyable for every child.