CHANGE THE GAME

The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call, text, and chat service for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone in sports communities who has questions or concerns about abuse or mental well-being in athletics.

Whether you’re struggling yourself or looking to help others, this is the right place, and now is the right time.

YOU MAKE THE CALL.

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Inspiring stories and crucial athlete resources.

A partnership between the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Foundation for Global Sports Development

We’re reshaping sports culture to empower athletes and sports communities through crisis intervention, emotional support and helpful resources.

You Are Not Alone

Who we support and how we do it.

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Bold and Brave Athletes

Athlete Statistics

Suicide is the second most common cause of death in NCAA athletes.
65% of athletes indicated experiencing at least one incident of psychological harm or neglect while participating in youth sports
37% of athletes reported having experienced one form of physical abuse at least once as a child in sport
14% to 29% of athletes have been a victim of at least one form of sexual violence before age 18

sources: British Journal of Sports Medicine; U.S. Center for Safesport

Coach Statistics

19% of coaches feel confident in identifying off-field stressors for athletes
18% of coaches feel confident referring athletes to support
18% report feeling highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources.
69% of coaches report feeling moderately, very or extremely stressed.

source: Project Play, Coaching Trends 2022

Parent Statistics

69% of athletes were not aware they had rights as children in sports.
93% of athletes who have experienced sexual harassment or unwanted contact did not submit a formal report/complaint of it.
68% of athletes who experiences unwanted sexual contact or harassment indicated that they did not feel they had a place to talk about their experiences within their governing body of sport.
18.1% of individuals having unwanted sexual experiences indicate that they were retaliated against when speaking out.

sources: World Players Association, 2021 CARE Report; U.S. Center for Safesport Athlete Culture & Climate Survey