ECB Provides Safe Hands for Child Protection

6 September 2005

England international Marcus Trescothick was presented with the NSPCC Standards award © Getty Images

England opening batsman Marcus Trescothick was presented with the NSPCC Standards award in recognition of the ECB’s commitment to child protection, via its Safe Hands programme.

Trescothick, accepting the NSPCC Standards Award for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport on behalf of the ECB, said the Safe Hands - Welfare of Young People in Cricket child protection policy had fostered a safe environment for children of all ages to take up cricket.

“As a father I completely understand the importance of developing a safe setting for kids to participate in sport and in particular cricket,” Trescothick said.

“The welfare and protection of all young people in our sport is of paramount importance and through the Safe Hands programme this Standards award recognises the effectiveness of this important project.”

After introducing the Safe Hands programme over two years ago, the ECB has continued to develop the policy throughout affiliated cricket clubs in England and Wales.

David Collier, ECB Chief Executive, said: “The NSPCC Standards have formed the benchmark for cricket and due to the vast number of committed volunteers involved in the sport ECB has been able to achieve the set criteria.

“There has been a lot of hard work undertaken across the country to ensure that the sport is adopting and enforcing the ECB Child Protection Policy Safe Hands which underpins all our child protection work.

“Any parent looking to get their child involved in cricket as a consequence of this amazing npower Ashes Test Series, and for all those already involved in the sport, can rest assured that every ECB affiliated club is providing a welcoming and safe environment for kids to enjoy this fantastic sport.”

Steve Boocock, Director of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, said: "As cricket becomes ever more popular with children and young people, we need to ensure they are kept safe while enjoying the game.

"Children should not have to suffer abuse of any kind. This partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board will provide another safe place for children to turn and specialised advice for cricket fans who are concerned about a child's welfare."