Child Welfare / Child Protection Policy

Our child welfare officer is Millie Woodliffe - [email protected]

Our Child Protection Policy 

1. We acknowledge our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to our care. We are committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any football activity. We subscribe to The FA’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

2. The key principles of The FA Child Protection Policy are that: 

  • The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
  • All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
  • Working in partnership with other organizations, children and young people and their parents or careers is essential

3.  We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. We recognize that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our Association. We have a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. We note and accept that The FA’s child protection regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on association tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

4.  We endorse and adopt The FA’s child protection and best practice guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will: 

  • Develop a role profile
  • Request identification documents
  • As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
  • Require an FA CRC Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.

All current LGCSA members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRC Enhanced Disclosure via the FA CRC Unit. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of our club then guidance will be sought from The Football Association.

It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The FA CRC Unit Enhanced Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

FA Safeguarding Children Policy

The FA has completed its review of the Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures for Grassroots Football. You can access the updated policy via clicking this link or read the detail below:

https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/policy-downloads

If you have any questions about the above then please contact Millie, by e-mailing [email protected]

Football Club – Safeguarding Children Policy

Our football club is committed to safeguarding every child and young person under the age of 18 involved in club activities. We follow The FA's Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures, which emphasises:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • Every child has the right to be protected from abuse regardless of age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief.

  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse are taken seriously and acted upon swiftly.

  • Cooperation with other organisations, children, young people, and their parents/carers is essential.

Everyone involved with our club, whether paid or voluntary, shares this responsibility.

Recruitment Procedures: We adhere to The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines, including:

  • Clearly defining roles and tasks.

  • Requesting identification documents.

  • Conducting meetings or interviews.

  • Checking two references.

  • Requiring Enhanced Criminal Record Checks (CRC) with a Barring List Check for eligible roles.

Concerns about individuals will be managed according to FA guidance.

Whistleblowing: We support The FA’s Whistleblowing Policy. Concerns about an adult's conduct can be reported to:

  • The FA Safeguarding Team: 0800 169 1863 or [email protected]

  • Police, Children’s Social Care, or NSPCC.

Club Welfare Officer: We have appointed a trained Club Welfare Officer, who is the primary contact for welfare concerns and liaises with the County FA Welfare Officer.

Bullying: Bullying is unacceptable at our club. Incidents must be reported promptly to the Club Welfare Officer, and serious cases may involve the County FA Welfare Officer.

Respect Codes: Respect codes of conduct are implemented for players, parents/spectators, officials, and coaches. Misconduct will be addressed with clear actions, including potential sanctions by the County FA.

Reporting Concerns: Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have concerns:

  • Report to the Club Welfare Officer immediately.

  • For poor practice, the Welfare Officer will manage or seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer.

  • For serious concerns, immediately contact the CFA Welfare Officer, Police, or Children’s Social Care.

  • For urgent medical concerns, seek immediate treatment and inform the Club Welfare Officer.

If you cannot contact your Club Welfare Officer:

  • CFA Welfare Officer directly

  • FA Safeguarding Team: 0800 169 1863 or [email protected]

  • Police, Children’s Social Care, or NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or [email protected]

Further Information: Visit www.TheFA.com or contact The FA Safeguarding Children enquiry line at 0845 210 8080.