Badminton Wales today launched the “Does Something Feel Wrong?” safeguarding resource for junior players, a unique project delivered by its Youth Council to help give junior players clear, accessible guidance whenever they feel unsafe or in need of support.
Led by Youth Council Chair Ieuan Phillips, the resource provides clear and accessible safeguarding information designed by young people, for young people. Complex safeguarding policies have been translated into simple, practical guidance that players can discreetly access when they feel uncertain or at risk.
The resource takes the form of a discreet, pocket-sized guide, ideal to keep in a racket bag. It helps juniors recognise and link their feelings to safeguarding situations, judge the level of seriousness and walk them through best practice for discussing and reporting their concerns with the relevant people. By addressing common feelings of anxiety, helplessness, isolation and confusion, the resource aims to give junior players reassurance and actionable steps at the time of greatest need.
Ieuan Phillips, Youth Council Chair, commented “We’re delighted to launch our new safeguarding resource. We’re excited to be taking a lead in this space with a unique and innovative concept that we truly believe will provide support, clarity and actionable guidance for junior players, when they need it most. I’d like to thank the team and Board at Badminton Wales, as well as wider partners within Welsh sport, for encouraging, facilitating and supporting this important project.”
“Many organisations express their desire to engage young people in important issues such as safeguarding but achieving this often proves challenging. Both the resource itself, and our youth engagement framework, stand as effective case studies for others. I look forward to discussing its development and wider legacy both within, and beyond, badminton.”
Kelly Aston MBE OLY, CEO of Badminton Wales, added: “Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and empowering young people to lead this work is especially important. This resource will make a real difference in giving juniors confidence and making sure every player feels supported, listened to, and safe.”
Badminton Wales will distribute this nationwide, ensuring that safeguarding support is placed directly in the hands of thousands of junior players across Wales.