Club News Brief

Aston Villa support Play Safe

2026-10-03

Aston Villa is once again proud to show its support for the FA’s Play Safe campaign. Play Safe, across the weekend of October 3-4, 2026, focuses attention on the vital importance of safeguarding in our game, continuing to build on last season’s ‘Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think’ theme. Play Safe is asking every adult in football to ‘Keep Up The Convo’ with children and young people – not just over Play Safe weekend, but throughout the season. Safeguarding isn’t only about knowing what to do when something’s wrong. It’s also about creating regular opportunities for children and young people to share what matters to them – and showing them their views are heard and taken seriously. On the pitch. On the sidelines. On the way home. At pick-up and drop-off. Everyday moments are opportunities to ‘Keep Up The Convo’. Keep it light - start with fun and easy topics Keep it open - ask open questions and give them space to share Keep it active - reflect, repeat, respond. Show you’re really listening The small talk before, during and after football is bigger than you think. Give children opportunities to share, really listen and respond to what they tell you. That’s how we show them their views matter. The more we talk, listen and respond, the more children and young people feel heard, and the more likely they are to speak up when something isn’t right. Play Safe is not just about the weekend but a season-long campaign to keep the conversation going. Help put safeguarding at the heart of football and help children and young people know there’s always someone ready to talk, listen and respond. For more information on the FA’s Play Safe campaign, click here.