NSPCC Sport: new name, same mission

For 25 years, the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) has supported organisations to create environments where young players and athletes are safe, well, and able to thrive.

Now, they are celebrating this milestone, with a name change to ‘NSPCC Sport’. The mission hasn’t changed — children’s welfare in sport will always be at the heart of everything they do. But the new name offers a clearer, more recognisable identity that reflects who they are.

NSPCC Professional Learning Services Director Christian McMullen said: “Our new brand reflects the breadth of our work, in alignment with the NSPCC mission, and a more modern look and feel, evolving like the sporting sector.”

The Child Protection in Sport Unit was set up in 2001 following a series of high-profile cases of abuse of young athletes.

Back then, there was a team of just four staff members, working with Sport England and Sport NI to raise the profile of child protection among sport governing bodies, introduce child protection policies, and commission research into abuse within sport.

Fast forward to 2026, and there are now 28 staff, working across three nations with:

• 150+ national governing bodies
• 42 Active Partnerships
• 400+ sport, physical activity and leisure organisations
• 50+ volunteers attending sport events and talking to sports parents across the country

They work to keep young players and athletes safe with major partners including the Olympics, Paralympics, Rugby World Cup, School Games, the FA and the Premier League.

Christian said: “Following a number of reviews into safeguarding in sport in recent years, there has been a time of reflection and learning across the sporting sector, and this includes CPSU.

“Our work has grown over the last 25 years, to span many activities including assurance, training and development, consultancy and awareness raising – our name no longer reflects the work we undertake on behalf of children. We need a brand that speaks to what we do, how we do it and where we want to be now, and in the future.”

The new brand gives a clearer connection to the wide range of NSPCC services that directly support children, including Childline, the NSPCC Helpline, Schools Service and a host of vital preventative and post-abuse recovery services.

Head over to NPSCC Sport to find out more and access the range of resources and support on offer.