Welcome to Champions Factory
Child Protection from violence in Sports
Project Reference:
101184255
Child Protection from violence in sports
This Project has received funding from the European Union’s CERV programme under by Grant Agreement No 101138279 the Daphne-CHILD programme with Eurochild and Terre des hommes.
Summary
The Child Protection from Violence in Sports project is dedicated to preventing violence against children in sports settings. It aims to strengthen child safeguarding mechanisms, enhance awareness, and promote a culture of safety and respect within sports organizations across Bulgaria.
Over a 12-month period, the project will engage 100 children aged 6-12, 20 coaches, and at least 50 parents across 10 sports clubs in Bulgaria, including locations such as Sofia, Ruse, Burgas, Svishtov, and Blagoevgrad. The initiative addresses physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as structural violence, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability in Bulgarian sports institutions.
The project aligns with international child protection frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and adheres to the best practices outlined by the Daphne-CHILD programme and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Motivations Behind the Design of the Project
- Alarming Evidence of Risk: 60% of young athletes worldwide experience maltreatment, a trend seen in Bulgaria as well (UNICEF Bulgaria, 2022; Safe Sport International, 2023).
- Lack of Safeguarding Structures: Over 95% of Bulgarian sports clubs have no child protection policy in place (Bulgarian Sports Development Association, 2023).
- Need for Coach Training: Many coaches lack skills and formal training in preventing and responding to child protection concerns.
- Need for Parental Awareness: Many parents are unaware of the signs, risks, and reporting mechanisms for abuse in sports settings.
- Commitment to Inclusive Sports: Ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to a safe, respectful, and empowering sports environment.
What we achieved during the project
The project Child Protection from Violence in Sports has been successfully completed, delivering a comprehensive set of activities and resources aimed at creating safer sport environments for children in Bulgaria.
Key achievements include:
- Development, finalisation and adoption of the Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct, aligned with Bulgarian legislation and international safeguarding standards, and implemented across 10 sports clubs;
- Capacity building of coaches, including specialised training on safeguarding and conflict resolution, equipping 23 coaches with practical skills to prevent and respond to violence in sport settings;
- Interactive workshops with 100 children across football, basketball, and rhythmic gymnastics, increasing their awareness of safe and unsafe behaviours, personal boundaries, and reporting mechanisms;
- Educational materials for parents, including safeguarding posters displayed in sports clubs, reaching approximately 200 parents and guardians;
- National social media awareness campaign, implemented with the support of five well-known Bulgarian athletes, reaching over 16,000 users and raising public awareness on child protection in sport.
All key materials developed within the project, including the Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct, and campaign resources, are available below.
Project Results and Resources
As part of the project, several practical tools and materials were developed to support long-term impact and sustainability:
Project Impact
The project contributed to strengthening safeguarding practices in grassroots sport by:
- improving the capacity of coaches and sports organisations to recognise and respond to risks;
- empowering children to better understand their rights and speak up in unsafe situations;
- increasing awareness among parents and local communities;
- promoting a culture of safe, respectful, and inclusive sport environments.
Social Media Campaign Links
What’s Next
Although the project has formally concluded, its impact continues through the ongoing use and dissemination of its results.
Champions Factory remains committed to promoting the adoption of safeguarding policies in additional sports clubs as well as to delivering further training and awareness-raising activities on child protection in sport. We will also continue building partnerships with local and international organisations to expand safe sport practices while ensuring continued visibility of the project’s results through digital platforms and community engagement.
The materials developed within the project will continue to be used as practical tools for coaches, organisations, and stakeholders working in youth sport.
