Safe Sport International is proud to announce the launch of our Youth Perspectives blog, through which we aim to shine a light on young people in sports, and invite them to build the world of safe sport that they want to see.
Conversations about safe sport are often led by sports organisations and researchers, while the voices of young people — those most affected — are often left unheard.
We believe that in order to effectively address harassment and abuse in sports, it’s essential to facilitate open dialogue about how it happens, the impacts it can have, and how it should be prevented. Guided by the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’, we pride ourselves on being informed by athlete voices. That’s why we want to give our audience an opportunity to hear and learn from the voices of young people in sports. The Young Perspectives blog is a way for us to pass the mic and provide a platform for the vital contributions that they provide.
Here, you can expect to read stories from young people and hear about the issues most important to them. This includes our interns, who will be sharing their stories of what led them to Safe Sport International. Keep an eye on this page or follow us on social media to see our posts as soon as they’re published.
Become a Contributor
Want to be a part of shaping a world where everyone everywhere is safe in sport? Join the movement and contribute to our blog.
Who Can Contribute?
The Safe Sport International Young Perspectives blog welcomes contributors between the ages of 16 and 30. This can include athletes, survivors, allies, students, professionals, and anyone else who’s interested in making sport safer for everyone. If you have a story or an idea you’d like to share, we want to hear from you.
We understand that some contributors may not feel safe or comfortable with sharing their identities publicly. For this reason, it is possible to post your contribution anonymously.
How to Contribute
Fill out our contributor form →
Meet Our Team
Emma Thomas – SSI Trustee
Emma Thomas is a former Muay Thai fighter, athlete-survivor, writer, activist, and studying sports ethicist. She created UnderTheRopes.com in 2013, where she writes about gender inequality and campaigns against abuse and harassment in her sport. She takes a survivor-centred approach, directing survivors to resources, counselors and legal advisors who can provide trauma-informed support. She is currently completing a master’s degree in Sports Ethics and Integrity (MAiSI), through which she aims to conduct research to advance safeguarding in Muay Thai and other combat sports.
Rupert Stebbings – Trustee
Rupert spent his initial years after university working in London’s fitness industry before pursuing a career in finance spanning almost three decades across the UK, US, and finally Colombia. He is also a keen writer and has published two books. Having left finance behind, he now wishes to give back to society by supporting all those who wish to participate in sporting activity, be it for leisure or as a career.
Melissa Causer – Intern
Melissa is a Sport and Exercise Psychology master’s student at Loughborough University, and graduated with a British Psychological Society Undergraduate degree in Sports and Exercise Psychology in 2023. She has been involved in sports research projects on rivalries between championship football teams. She enjoys football, gaelic football and running, and has a strong passion for creating sporting environments which are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Jules Hourany – Intern
Jules is currently completing a master’s degree in Governance and Administration of Leisure and Sports as an Erasmus Mundus scholar. He is also engaged in an exchange semester at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, concentrating on Sport for Development programs and Sport and Sustainability. With a profound passion for sports, including calisthenics and football, he brings several years of experience serving as a Sports Director and Coach. Coming from the Middle East, his mission is to contribute positively to the global sports landscape, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding. He is committed to leveraging his background and expertise to make a meaningful impact in the world of sports
Thayz Figueirêdo – Intern
Thayz is a dedicated advocate for the transformative power of sports. As a Clinical and Sports Psychologist, she has been committed to helping individuals thrive in sports and their personal goals. With a focus on promoting mental health, fostering safe sports environments enhancing inclusivity, and advancing gender equality, she brings a multifaceted approach to her work. With a dual degree in Psychology and Physical Education, complemented by a specialization in Sports Psychology and ongoing pursuit of a master’s degree in Sports Management, Thayz has a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between sports and psychology.
She understands the essential role of safeguarding policies and recognizes their significant importance in creating a secure sporting environment. These policies are critical to ensuring athletes’ physical safety and mental well-being. Thayz’s vision extends beyond sports psychology, encompassing broader goals of mental health advocacy and gender equality in sports. She aims to make a significant impact in the field of sports management, leveraging her diverse expertise and passion for positive change. Thayz believes that emphasizing and implementing effective safeguarding measures are crucial to establishing an inclusive, empowering, and secure sports landscape for all.
Hye Jin Kim – Intern
Hye Jin Kim is a master’s student at Loughborough University studying Sport Management, Politics and International Development. She conducted her master’s research on gender inequality within sports organisations at Korea National Sport University and is interested in eradicating various abuses, violence, and inequalities from sports and building diversity and inclusiveness.