Ending Exploitation: United Through Sports' Fight to Protect Youth Athletes
Julia Govinden, CEO of United Through Sports, tells the basic steps that sports at any level need to put in place to safeguard their vulnerable young athletes.
As CEO of United Through Sports (UTS), Julia Govinden leads the world’s largest all-inclusive youth sport organisation, across the Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympic movements and beyond.
Under the stewardship of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), UTS hosts international multi-sports events and World Youth Festivals to promote tolerance, equality and non-discrimination for sport.
For example, in August in Colombia, UTS and the Special Olympics hosted the “No Barriers Cup” where 700 youth with and without disabilities from 10 municipalities competed in futsal, basketball, athletics, dance sports and more, side by side.
The Sports and Crime Briefing sat down with Govinden to discuss how UTS views integrity challenges across sport and what permanent changes are needed to fix them.
Sports and Crime Briefing (SCB): UTS works across a range of sporting and social environments, from high-level non-Olympic federations to grassroots programs in disadvantaged communities. How do the risks to integrity vary across these different spaces?
Julia Govinden (JG): The risks to integrity in sport differ greatly depending on the environment. At the elite level, particularly within well-funded, high-profile federations, we see issues like doping and match-fixing driven by pressure to perform and financial incentives.
Athletes from lower socio-economic backgrounds are generally less involved in doping. We assume this is mainly due to limited access to such substances and systems.
Match-fixing is more widespread and can surface at any level of sport.
In more disadvantaged communities, the risks to integrity tend to stem from weak institutional support and a lack of oversight. Here, we see challenges such as exclusion, exploitation, and missed opportunities due to limited access to education, healthcare, and economic mobility. Talent is often overlooked not because it doesn’t exist, but because the structures to nurture and protect it aren’t in place yet.
Organised sports also typically have stronger safeguards, clearer pathways, and a vested interest in maintaining a credible image. But even there, hidden forms of corruption can persist.
SCB: Athlete exploitation is one of the most pressing integrity challenges in youth sports. What role does UTS play in protecting them, and how do you collaborate with partners like Mission 89 and UNICEF on this issue?
JG: The lack of attention paid to human trafficking and safeguarding in sports is shocking. It happens that federations encounter suspicious instances but don’t report the incidents or know the protocol on how to deal with such a situation. Some try to deal with it internally. But without one designated person and clear accountability, this can fall under the radar and life continues as usual.
I empathise to some degree with federations, as they need guidance that currently just isn't there. They want to keep their athletes safe, but there is no external support.
From our partnership with Mission 89, we have learned from them what the dangers are, the red flags and what to do. Mission 89 is crucial with their access to interpol, the UN, FIFA and other high-profile officials.
We are now working together more closely to educate federations, give them a feeling of accountability for incidents that occur. We need to raise awareness during and outside sports events. We are currently working on a vital project that will bring the federations a much-needed level of care, support and protection for their young athletes. As we host large-scale youth events around the world, we have a unique platform to bring more attention to youth safety.
SCB: The issue of fake agents and human trafficking in sport seemed to get a lot of attention around 2010, but since then, few initiatives have been forthcoming. What do you think are the most urgent steps that need to be taken here?
JG: I have spoken to so many people over the years who didn't know that trafficking in sport included youth. They presumed it was only women. We need to create accountability mechanisms, we need to disseminate information across federations, officials, gyms and athletes. It’s a work in progress and always will be.
There is no end to this global issue, so our dedication must be unwavering. The pandemic saw the issue lose focus, with the news reporting less incidents due to a lack of global movement.
SCB: Gambling and match-fixing are often associated with elite professional sports, but are there similar risks even in non-Olympic competitions? Have you seen attempts to manipulate results in lower-level sports, or do you see betting syndicates targeting non-mainstream competitions in ways that surprise you?
JG: Betting at the grassroots level is a growing concern. While it’s often unregulated, if not illegal, it takes place through underground channels or online platforms that allow betting on smaller, lesser-known events. This creates significant integrity risks beyond illegal betting, including match-fixing, athlete manipulation, and exploitation, particularly among young or vulnerable players who may not have the same level of support or protection as the elite.
These betting syndicates are starting to target non-mainstream competitions, because oversight is weaker and safeguarding measures are limited or nonexistent. These environments become easy targets for manipulation, which not only undermines the integrity of sport but also places athletes in very vulnerable situations.
SCB: Your work at UTS brings together many stakeholders across sports federations, NGOs, the Olympic and Paralympic movement, and UN agencies. Have there been particular success stories where partnerships have led to measurable improvements in ethical standards?
JG: One of the most impactful examples of collaboration is our work with the sport of Muaythai. In partnership with Mission 89, UNESCO, the Royal Thai Government, and the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, we conducted comprehensive case studies examining youth trafficking risks within the sport.
This project resulted in concrete, actionable recommendations. The outcomes were presented by our President Stephan Fox at the United Nations in New York, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing ethical challenges at the grassroots level. Last year, I was present to extend upon this initial engagement and share our findings, experiences and to request further support with strategies as to how we as a youth oriented community can progress.
SCB: Governance failures in sport often lead to integrity scandals at all levels. How can sport leaders be held more accountable for ethical breaches?
JG: One of the most effective ways to hold sport leaders accountable is to establish rigorous whistleblower protection policies. This would ensure that individuals, including athletes, coaches, and staff, feel safe to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.
Creating clear, confidential, and accessible reporting mechanisms is crucial for detecting and addressing misconduct. Protecting whistleblowers and sport organizations can encourage a culture of transparency and honesty, making it more difficult for unethical practices to go unnoticed.
Another tool would be Ethical Leadership Training. Sport leaders, from executives to coaches, should experience training that emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, and the long-term well-being of athletes.
Educating leaders about the potential consequences of unethical behavior, for individuals and the broader community can instill a strong ethical foundation that guides decision-making. Regular training and refreshers on governance and ethics should become a standard part of professional development for leaders at all levels.
Another important element is Athlete and Stakeholder Representation, ensuring that athletes and key stakeholders are actively involved in decision-making processes. When athletes have a voice and are given a platform to express concerns, there is a greater chance of identifying and addressing potential integrity issues before they escalate.
SCB: Integrity issues will always persist. What constitutes an effective integrity system, and what immediate actions can sports organizations take?
JG: A truly effective integrity system rests on three core pillars: competent leadership, institutional accountability, and a culture of zero tolerance for ethical breaches. Integrity issues might never fully disappear, but how effectively organizations address them makes the critical difference between systemic failure and resilient, values-driven governance.
Organizations must prioritize placing individuals in positions based on their expertise, ethical compass, and genuine passion for athlete well-being and fair play. Radical reform requires radical action, starting from the leadership down.
Additionally, accountability mechanisms need to be clear, enforced, and consistent. Integrity, safeguarding, and athlete protection can't be peripheral concerns. They require dedicated oversight from an independent integrity officer or commission that regularly reports directly to executive leadership. Implementing mandatory quarterly reporting helps maintain transparency and ensures integrity remains a visible priority.
A zero-tolerance approach toward ethical breaches must be clearly articulated and enforced across all levels, from Olympic committees to grassroots federations. National federations must adhere to the same standards, with tangible consequences for violations.