This weekend across football, clubs at every level are coming together to support Play Safe 2025, the nationwide campaign that champions safeguarding for children, young people, and adults in the game.
The theme for this year is “Small Talk Is Bigger Than You Think”. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that everyday conversations asking a young person how they feel, checking in about their experiences, and really listening, can make a life-changing difference. By creating environments where children and young people feel heard and valued, we build the foundations of trust and safety that football and community life depend on.
Here at Luton Town Community Trust, we are proud to be taking an active part in the Play Safe campaign. Over the past week, we’ve used Play Safe resources at our community sessions, reinforcing the message that our staff are always here to listen and support. The Play Safe banner has also visited the first team and will be displayed at the Academy fixtures throughout the Play Safe weekend, ensuring that safeguarding is visible at every level of the Club.
At today’s match, our Safeguarding and Inclusion Manager, Nora Moran, will be speaking directly with young Hatters to hear their views about how safe they feel in and around the stadium. We invite fans and families to come and chat with Nora and the Community Trust team on the Kenilworth Apron before the game. It’s an open opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and learn more about the safeguarding work taking place behind the scenes.
Safeguarding at the Heart of the Trust
Safeguarding is not just a one weekend campaign for us – it is the foundation of everything we do. Parents need confidence that their children are safe in our activities, adults must feel they belong in a secure environment, and everyone who engages with our programmes should know that safety is our top priority.
That’s why every member of staff and every volunteer go through a rigorous safer recruitment process and holds an enhanced DBS check. This ensures the people leading our work are committed, capable and trusted to protect the interests of every participant.
Our staff also receive safeguarding training three times a year, which keeps knowledge fresh and equips us to spot the signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Just as importantly, it helps us respond sensitively and effectively, ensuring that participants can access the right support at the right time. Safeguarding isn’t only about reacting to problems, it’s about building resilience, offering safe relationships, and creating positive routines that support long-term wellbeing.
Through contextual safeguarding risk assessments, we also take a proactive stance. By identifying the risks in our local communities whether that’s exploitation, radicalisation or other harms, we design programmes that disrupt abuse and strengthen protective factors. Activities built on education, belonging, and positive social connections play a vital role in keeping young people safe.
Who Leads Our Safeguarding Work?
To make safeguarding work, day in, day out, we have a clear leadership structure:
Nora Moran, Safeguarding and Inclusion Manager, oversees daily safeguarding issues and raises awareness.
Sarah Bloomer, Head of Safeguarding, leads on safeguarding strategy and culture across the Trust.
Daniel Douglas, Head of Trust, ensures safeguarding is prioritised in every programme we deliver.
Together, this team makes safeguarding visible, consistent, and embedded in the culture of Luton Town Community Trust.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Play Safe 2025 is a chance to shine a spotlight on safeguarding across football, but for us, the commitment lasts all year round. Whether in schools, on pitches, or at community venues, we are here to listen, protect, and empower children, young people and adults across Luton and Bedfordshire.
If you have any concerns or questions about safeguarding at Luton Town Community Trust, please email Nora at [email protected]. Together, we can ensure football remains a safe and positive force for everyone in our community.
