Football supporter and concerned parent Barbara Piper has the best interests of hundreds of children at heart.

The Tyro League fan is one of a growing number of parents who have volunteered their services to make sure youngsters are safe in sport.

Barbara is looking after Testwood United's youngsters on and off the field after being appointed child protection officer for the club.

She toes the touchline at football matches on Sundays while watching her son Mark, who plays for Testwood's Under-13s, and keeps an eye on the children, their mums, dads and other supporters.

The initiative - being promoted by the Hampshire FA, who stage workshops throughout the county - is part of the Football Association's charter Standard Scheme, launched last year.

"The main aim is to make sure that all children in sport are safe to play and do not get abused in any way at all," said Barbara.

The Bishop's Waltham mum says keeping an eye on over-zealous parents can be just a big a part of the job as watching out for youngsters as they compete on the field.

"The idea is for managers of football teams to come to me if they have any concerns," said Barbara. "Some parents can be quite aggressive on the sidelines, especially if they believe their children are not performing well.

"Managers too can be guilty of shouting at the children too much. You have to remember, the game is for the children, not the parents or managers."

Barbara's new post means she may have to miss out on watching Mark play to go to other matches.

"That's the price I sometimes have to pay - you can not be in two places at once.

"Generally, the under-10s, 11s and 12s play in the same place at Testwood School, so I can just wander around and keep an eye on everything. I think sometimes my son is happy that I am not watching all the time!"

If Barbara is very concerned about behaviour, she can call on the match referee who, if need be, can call a halt to the game.

"If a parent is being abusive, I can ask them to quiet down," she added. "I can liase with the referee, who can ask the parents to leave. He also has the power to stop the match - but, thankfully, there have been no problems so far.

A Hamphsire FA spokesman said: "It's of prime concern that youth players up to age of 18 are protected and we are promoting that fact."