The third and final training module of the GUARD – Safeguarding Children in Sport project was successfully delivered on 23 March 2026 at the Slovenian Olympic Education Centre. This milestone marks the completion of the pilot training cycle for Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs) in Slovenia.
Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the GUARD training curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for safeguarding children in sport. The final module focused on key areas such as:
- guidelines for ensuring child safety in sport organisations
- reporting mechanisms
- response procedures in cases of safeguarding concerns or violations
Practical Tools for Real-World Application
Module 3 placed a strong emphasis on practical implementation. Participants were equipped with:
- tools for identifying potential risks
- clear guidance on how to act when concerns arise
- insights into effective cooperation between organisations involved in child protection
This approach reinforces the development of a coordinated and sustainable safeguarding system, where different stakeholders work together to ensure the well-being of young athletes.
Participant Perspective
One of the participants, Saša Ljubišić, highlighted the value of the training:
“The training positively surprised me, as I gained new knowledge on how to respond appropriately when someone confides in you about a problem, and especially how to build a bridge of trust in such sensitive situations. I would also like to highlight the excellent cooperation among participants and the exchange of experiences on different forms of violence. The organisers enriched the lectures with practical workshops, which were extremely valuable. The materials we received will certainly support my work in ensuring a safe sports environment at the Cheer Association of Slovenia.”
Building a Safer Sport System
The GUARD project represents one of the most comprehensive European initiatives dedicated to safeguarding children in sport. By bringing together experts from across Europe and developing structured training programmes, the project contributes to the prevention of violence, abuse, and neglect in sport environments.
Participants who successfully complete the training receive certification and become part of a growing European network of trained safeguarding officers, playing a key role in creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments for children in sport.
