WSL Football launches new safe sport partnership with Kyniska Advocacy
WSL Football has announced a pioneering safeguarding partnership with Kyniska Advocacy, aimed to evolve new standards for safeguarding and athlete wellbeing in professional football.
Together, WSL Football and Kyniska Advocacy are committed to proactively providing comprehensive wrap-around care for athletes, and to embed a safer, respectful culture in women’s football where all parties recognise how to access support and raise concerns.
This collaboration marks a first in professional football, with WSL Football and Kyniska Advocacy set to co-deliver in-depth club visits and deliver tailored safe sport education to all athletes and staff across BWSL and BWSL2 clubs. Experiences of playing team sport remain overwhelmingly positive with the benefits and rewards highly reported, the aim is to develop understanding on creating and promoting a safer and healthier football environment.
As part of the partnership, all BWSL and BWSL2 players will gain access to Kyniska Advocacy’s confidential support service, as an additional independent route to raise any concerns or seek support.
WSL Football says:
“As WSL Football enters a new era of growth and development, we have an opportunity to set a new standard for athlete care and build on the strong safeguarding foundations that have been established. We aim to work collaboratively with clubs and the PFA to drive standards, and we remain committed as we evolve our approach to safeguarding and welfare. Through this partnership with Kyniska Advocacy, our ambition is to reinforce the importance of safeguarding principles and adopt these to develop and maintain healthy cultures that enable everyone in our game to thrive.”
Mhairi Maclennan, CEO & Co-Founder – Kyniska Advocacy says:
“We believe sport is transformational, but only when it’s safe. We're delighted to collaborate with the WSL who, with this partnership, are leading the way in professional sport to ensure it becomes a space where everyone can thrive. When a major sport takes a stand for safety, it sends a powerful message across the entire landscape that wellbeing, respect, and accountability are non-negotiable. This is the kind of leadership that drives lasting change.”
Kyniska Advocacy is the UK’s only athlete- and survivor-led safe sport organisation dedicated to protecting women in sport from harm, creating safer sporting environments, and supporting the wellbeing of athletes.
The partnership will run throughout the 2025-2026 WSL Football season.
