Child Abuse Prevention Month

Youth sports offer some of the best experiences a student can have—building confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships. But those benefits only come when teams create a safe, respectful environment.

This Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re taking a moment to talk about the importance of team safety and what it means to foster a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability at every level of our program.

At Greater Latrobe Boys Soccer, we believe that team spirit starts with team safety.

Why Abuse Prevention Matters in Youth Sports

Most coaches, volunteers, and teammates have the best intentions. But no team is immune from risk. According to SafeSport, nearly 1 in 4 athletes reports experiencing some form of misconduct—from bullying to harassment to more serious abuse.

This isn’t just a national issue—it’s a community one.

When youth athletes don’t feel safe:

• They’re less likely to speak up
• Their performance and participation suffer
• Mental health and well-being are compromised
• Trust in authority figures breaks down
• Lifelong scars can result

We all have a role to play in making sure our athletes know: you matter, and you are protected.

What Safe Teams Look Like

Safe teams aren’t just about preventing harm—they’re about actively building a culture of respect, boundaries, and trust.

A healthy team environment includes:

• Coaches who set clear expectations and model appropriate behavior
• Players who respect each other’s space, belongings, and emotions
• Adults who take reports seriously and act quickly
• Open lines of communication with trusted adults
• Zero tolerance for bullying, hazing, or discrimination

“The culture you create is the standard you accept.”
— Unknown

Safe teams create space for players to grow—not shrink. To speak up—not stay silent.

Our Commitment at Latrobe

We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for every athlete in our program.

We do this by:

• Ensuring all coaches and volunteers complete background checks
• Maintaining open communication between players, families, and coaching staff
• Encouraging leadership, accountability, and mutual respect among teammates
• Partnering with parents to reinforce safety both on and off the field
• Creating space for players to speak up and ask for support when needed

Our priority is not just performance—but the people wearing the uniform.

What Parents and Athletes Can Do

You don’t have to be a coach to protect a team. Everyone has a role in abuse prevention in youth sports.

Parents can:

• Encourage open, judgment-free conversations with your child
• Teach what healthy boundaries look like
• Know who your child is spending time with and why
• Watch for warning signs of distress, isolation, or fear

Athletes can:

• Speak up when something doesn’t feel right
• Support teammates who may be struggling
• Report bullying, harassment, or misconduct
• Treat others with respect—on and off the field

If something seems wrong, say something. There are trusted adults and resources who will listen and act.

Final Thoughts

We love this game because of what it gives us—joy, confidence, belonging, and teamwork.

Let’s protect that.

By promoting safe team culture, respect, and open communication, we’re not just preventing harm—we’re creating a space where every athlete can thrive.

At Latrobe, our greatest win will always be the well-being of our players.