Safeguarding Athletes, Young Talent & Vulnerable Individuals in Sport

The world of sport is high-pressure, fast-paced, and filled with unique challenges—especially for young athletes, rising talent, and those in elite competition environments. Ensuring strong safeguarding policies, mental health support, and a culture of protection is essential to creating a safe, ethical, and inclusive sports industry.

At Artists on the Couch (AOTC), we specialise in safeguarding athletes, coaching staff, and sports organisations, providing expert guidance, risk management, and tailored training to protect talent at all levels. Whether on the training ground, in competition, during media appearances, or on tour, our mission is to empower sports professionals with the tools and structures needed to safeguard wellbeing and promote long-term success.

Safeguarding Training
For Working with

Young Athlete Talent

Accredited Safeguarding Courses Available

FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding for Safeguarding Athletes, Young Talent & Vulnerable Individuals in Sport (RQF)
FAA Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding Safeguarding Athletes, Young Talent & Vulnerable Individuals in Sport (RQF)

Consultancy Services
Safeguarding Athletes, Young Talent & Vulnerable Individuals in Sport

🔹 Safeguarding Policy Development – Creating athlete-specific safeguarding policies for teams, coaching staff, and sports organisations.
🔹 Training Ground & Competition Compliance – Ensuring safe environments for athletes in training facilities, competitions, and travel.
🔹 Youth Athlete Protection – Managing safeguarding for young athletes, including interactions with coaches, teams, and sponsors.
🔹 Athlete & Team Wellbeing – Addressing mental health, harassment prevention, and duty of care for sports professionals.
🔹 Anti-Harassment & Abuse Prevention – Establishing safe structures to prevent misconduct, power imbalances, and safeguarding concerns in sports.
🔹 Safeguarding in Sports Media & Sponsorships – Ensuring vulnerable athletes are protected in media appearances, endorsements, and high-pressure events.
🔹 Substance Use & Performance Pressure – Providing safeguarding support related to doping, substance use, and mental health risks.
🔹 Crisis Intervention & Support Structures – Delivering safeguarding solutions for on-tour, competition-based, or training-related incidents.

Ensuring athlete wellbeing and safeguarding is not just a responsibility—it’s essential for a safe, inclusive, and thriving sports industry. 🏆✨

Why do we need A.O.T.C to support our sports figures?

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"There is a growing body of research on mental health in the sports industry, and the statistics suggest that athletes and those involved in sports may be at higher risk for mental health issues compared to the general population." Here are a few statistics:

Depression and anxiety are common among athletes: According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, 34% of athletes experience symptoms of depression, and 26% experience symptoms of anxiety.
Eating disorders are also prevalent: A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that up to 45% of female athletes engage in disordered eating behaviors.
Substance abuse is also a concern: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, athletes are more likely to misuse prescription drugs and use performance-enhancing drugs.
Retirement from sports can be a difficult transition: According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, up to 65% of retired athletes experience symptoms of depression.
Stigma around mental health still exists in sports: A survey conducted by the BBC found that only 10% of elite athletes feel comfortable discussing their mental health with coaches or support staff.

"It's important to note that these statistics may vary depending on the sport, the level of competition, and other individual factors. However, they highlight the need for greater awareness and support for mental health in the sports industry." A.O.T.C