British Cycling and the NSPCC will this week join forces with more than 100 sports organisations in the UK and Ireland to promote Parents in Sport Week.

From 2 to 8 October we’re calling on our cycling clubs and volunteers to highlight the positive, supporting role that parents play. Coaches and officials are also encouraged to take the opportunity to examine their communication with parents to benefit children’s involvement in sport.

Dr Camilla Knight, who studies parental involvement in sport at Swansea University, says: “Parents play a critical role within youth sport. Without their support and involvement youth sport could not exist in the way it does today”.

Feedback from parent’s and volunteers involved in the HSBC UK Go-Ride programme emphasises just how important it is for young riders to have fun:

“It’s a great opportunity for my son to participate in events and develop friendships with other families, and there is a team spirit when we attend events”

“It’s all about children getting out on their bikes, keeping fit, learning new skills and having fun”

“I appreciate that in cycling a child’s achievements and developments are encouraged whatever their ability”

However, many sports know of ‘over-involved’ or ‘pushy’ parents who can have a negative on a child’s experience.

Through Parents in Sport Week, the NSPCC and British Cycling are helping to change the conversation and remind everyone of the important and extremely valuable contribution parents make to our sport – but only if they are engaged appropriately.

How can you get involved?

Parents in Sport week provides us with a great opportunity to promote the crucial role parents play in supporting young cyclists to love what they do and achieve their potential.

Everyone in cycling has a part to play and you can spread the word at your club, event or session by using and sharing some of the resources that have been produced by British Cycling and the NSPCC.

Download a poster that you can display at your sessions and events during Parents in Sport week and throughout the year.

The NSPCC has produced resources for clubs to use with parents and their own coaches, including codes of conduct and educational videos.

If you would like to discuss how you can get involved in the campaign or share your plans and comments with us, please contact the compliance team on 0161 274 2082 or at compliance@britishcycling.org.uk.