SSI Youth Voices Project
A global research survey for athletes aged 16–18 by Safe Sport International and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Your Voice. Your Sport. Your Safety
A global research survey for athletes aged 16–18
Young athletes deserve to be heard. This international research project invites athletes aged 16–18, from any sport, at any level, anywhere in the world, to share their experiences of wellbeing, safety and support as they transition into elite and high‑performance sport.
The survey is anonymous, voluntary, and has been ethically approved.
About the Youth Voices Project
The Youth Voices Project is an international research initiative focused on understanding the real experiences of young athletes as they move into elite and high‑performance sporting environments.
Young athletes’ voices are often missing from sport research, policy and decision‑making.
By taking part, you will help:
- Highlight the real challenges young athletes face
- Inform evidence‑based recommendations for safer sport environments
- Support organisations and policymakers to develop athlete‑centred practices
- Ensure young people’s experiences are taken seriously
Importantly, this research has been co‑designed with young athletes from multiple countries and performance levels, ensuring the survey reflects the issues that matter most to young people in sport today.
This research is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 12), which recognises young people’s right to have a say in matters that affect them.
Who Can Take Part?
You can participate if you are:
Aged 16–18 years
Competing or training in any sport, at any level
Based anywhere in the world
Parental consent is not required.
This study recognises that young people aged 16–18 are capable of making informed decisions about participation in research. This approach respects young people’s autonomy, competence and participation rights.
What Does Participation Involve?
Participation involves:
Completing one confidential online survey
Answering questions about your wellbeing, safety and experiences in sport
The survey:
Does not ask for your name or any identifying details
Is completely voluntary
Can be stopped at any time before submission
If you choose not to complete the survey, any information entered will not be used.
Anonymity, Ethics and Data Protection
Your safety and privacy are central to this research.
- No identifying information is collected
- All responses are fully anonymised
- Data is stored securely in line with university research standards
- Results will be reported in a way that protects participant anonymity
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Manchester Metropolitan University Faculty of Business and Law Research Ethics and Governance Committee.
EthOS reference number: 79162
Project Team
This study is led by Safe Sport International as part of its Youth Voices Project, with the research led in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.
- Academic lead for the research is Dr Seamus Byrne, Reader in Law at Manchester Law School, Manchester Metropolitan University.
- Project lead is Aisha Nazia, Projects and Resources Lead, Safe Sport International, who oversees the project’s design, coordination, and international delivery.
The Youth Voices Project is made possible thanks to funding by Ingeborg Gross Stiftung. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to amplifying youth voices, advancing children’s rights in sport, and strengthening safeguarding systems globally.
Take Part
Your experiences matter. By taking part in this research, you are helping to shape safer, more supportive sporting environments, ensuring that young athletes’ voices are heard, respected, and meaningfully reflected in future safeguarding policy and practice.
