A short film by The FA to promote its Play Safe Weekend encourages viewers of an imagined new podcast series to pay close attention to what’s going on

EYES ON THE BALL

The FA is promoting its annual Play Safe Weekend, which champions safeguarding across the game, with a promo film purporting to be an episode of a video podcast called Eyes on the Ball.

Featuring Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson in conversation with former Premier League player Anton Ferdinand and AFC Croydon Athletic coach and director of football Sian Fitzpatrick, the video has been produced by England Football to highlight the importance of remaining alert and aware of small changes that can go unnoticed.

While the trio talk about maintaining focus in games and training, Thomlinson abruptly stops the chat to ask the audience “Were you really paying attention? This is not even a real podcast”, before unveiling 19 changes that have been made throughout the two and a half minutes of the film.

He goes on to tell viewers that “when you focus in on one detail, you often miss the subtle changes that are happening around you. The smallest shift in a player’s mood, body language or behaviour can mean something really important.”

The film ends with a reminder for those working with and around children and young people in football to “watch, listen, talk, act” and keep their “eyes on the ball”.

The Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays WSL2, National League and across the grassroots game.

This year’s theme – Small Talk is Bigger Than You Think – focuses on giving young people a voice.

Sue Ravenlaw, head of safeguarding at The FA, said: “This year’s Play Safe campaign is all about encouraging adults in football to actively listen to children — to notice the small things, ask questions, and create a safe space for open conversations. Play Safe Weekend is a powerful reminder that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We want every club, league and individual involved in the game to feel confident in their role and proud of the part they play in keeping football safe, fun and inclusive for all.”

Anton Ferdinand adds: “It’s in everybody’s interest to know the rules around safeguarding – not just parents, not just players, not just academies and clubs. I’ve taken The FA’s Safeguarding Awareness for Parents and Carers course, and it’s insightful and informative. It only takes half an hour, and you learn the right questions to ask and what policies should be in place at a football club or academy. I’d advise everybody with a child who takes part in sports to go and take this course, so they are more in tune to warning signs and how to ensure our children are safe.”