The FA's Play Safe & Bib Voting

What is Play Safe?

Play Safe is a year-round campaign that champions the importance of safeguarding in football. It encourages leagues and clubs at every level of the game to play their part in making the game ever-safer, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.

Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think

For Play Safe 2025, The FA asking adults in football to give young people a voice. To create open conversations, ask questions, and actively listen to children. When children have space to talk, they feel safe to share. Small but vital moments build trust in the long run.

How to get your club involved

Here’s three simple things you can do:

1. Sign up and enter the free prize draw

The FA are keen to know which clubs are supporting Play Safe 2025 and what you are planning to do. So please sign up and let us know – you get the chance to enter the free prize draw with the chance of your club receiving one of the 100 prizes! Sign up here

2. Spread the word

Talk to people at your club about Play Safe. Make sure members know what it is, what this year’s campaign is all about, how they can get involved, and what their individual safeguarding roles are. In this letter, The FA have provided a Play Safe kick-off pack, full of useful resources for you to share online or put up around your club. It includes:

• Email headers and signatures – everyone who runs your club can use these as headers and footers in their club emails.
• Social media assets – these can be used in social posts or stories on Instagram, Facebook and/or X. We’ve also attached guidance on how to upload them.
• Editable social assets – you can include your own club badge on these, but if you use any pictures, it’s essential to make sure you have the right consents in place.
• Website assets – we’ve included a web header and written text you can use on your club website.

Play Safe Activation Bib Voting

This year’s focus - Small Talk Is Bigger Than You Think - is about creating environments where children and young people feel empowered and listened to. Ahead of the Play Safe weekend try out ‘Bib Voting’ a simple activity to start the little conversations. This activity encourages children and young people to share their experiences in a safe, fun, and nonverbal way. It aims to help coaches listen and adapt sessions while building confidence in giving feedback.

Simply follow the steps for the age group(s) you are working with (download 5-11 yrs or download 12-16 yrs). We’d recommend doing this 3-4 times ahead of the Play Safe weekend, selecting different questions each time. There will be additional activities provided in September – so why not get started.

On 27/28 September, all of football will unite to celebrate our collective safeguarding effort throughout the season.

This year, The FA want as many leagues, clubs, and individuals as possible to show up for the weekend and celebrate everyone who plays a role in giving children a voice.

Visit: www.englandfootball.com/playsafe for more information and news.