THE Play Safe weekend has been hailed as a success across Suffolk.

More than 50 clubs signed up to take part in the annual event held last Saturday and Sunday.

Many of these were visited by Suffolk FA staff, Board members and Suffolk FA Youth Council members.

Play Safe is a year-round campaign that amplifies the importance of safeguarding across all levels of the game aimed at making sure football is safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.

Ipswich Town FC showed their support for Play Safe, which is endorsed by the NSPCC and supported across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, men’s and women’s National Leagues and across the grassroots game.

Suffolk FA Designated Safeguarding Officer Hayley Chart said: “I am absolutely delighted with the feedback received following the Play Safe weekend.

“There were some great celebrations and I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing back from club volunteers and those who carried out visits.

“A huge thank you to the Club Welfare Officers and other club volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that children and young people are safeguarded in football, week in, week out.”

Suffolk FA Chair Phil Lawler said: “I had an extremely enjoyable morning meeting parents, grandparents and coaches from four different clubs and officials from Coplestonians.

“All the parents and coaches had positive things to say about their clubs. All parents were aware of the role and contact point for welfare and safeguarding within their clubs.

“A parent from Martlesham Hawks said he couldn’t speak highly enough about the club and felt his son was enjoying football in a safe environment.”

Melvyn Eke, who is Chair of Boxford Rovers FC, said: “It was great to see the Premiership managers wearing the Play Safe badges.”

At Beccles Town one mum said: “My husband and I feel that our son is very well looked after at the club. He’s treated well and encouraged to do his best and have fun.

“We feel the ethos of BTFC is exactly the right one for these young children and our son is learning to play football in a positive, nurturing environment.”

The parent of another player said: “We have recently enrolled our son into the club and I have to say, from the very moment we enquired, we have been met with nothing but utter kindness and inclusivity. “

She said their son had been made to feel included even though he broke his arm before his first training session so couldn’t get fully involved for a few weeks.

“The Beccles Town coach did everything possible to still ensure my son felt like a member of the team and that he was still able to meet with his other teammates.  

“My son has always been well cared for and looked after and the feedback to us has been incredible,” she added.

Players from Corton & Carlton Colville are pictured above taking part in Play Safe weekend.