The unique 15-year partnership between the NSPCC and Sport England, known as the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), was celebrated at Wembley Stadium this week.

The CPSU’s work was established to ensure young athletes across all sports are safeguarded and supported.

The FA has been working with the CPSU since its development and has a network of over 8,000 designated persons helping to ensuring safeguards are embedded across the game.

The event gave sports organisations from across the UK the chance to speak directly with young people in workshop sessions on numerous safeguarding topics, such as supporting deaf and disabled young people in sport, positive parental behavior and safeguarding young people with mental health issues.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson presented six national Safeguarding Stars Awards at the celebrations recognising individuals across sport, chosen by a youth panel that were felt to have ‘gone the extra mile’.

Barry Dawson, head of education and welfare at Middlesbrough Football Club, Phil Barton, club welfare officer at Tankerton Football Club, Adam Green, head of safeguarding at Everton Football Club and Mal Lee, junior team manager at Liverpool Football Club, were all recognised for their work.

FA head of equality and safeguarding Sue Ravenlaw said: “There are thousands of people involved in helping to make a difference for children and young people across football and sport, often going unnoticed.

“So it’s appropriate that the CPSU Safeguarding Stars Awards highlight some of the real champions. Barry, Phil, Adam and Mal have shown just how much dedication exists across footballs designated persons network.

“We are delighted that they have each received national recognition across sport and extend our thanks and congratulations to each of them.”

To find out more about being a club welfare officer e-mail Safeguarding@TheFA.com