Safeguarding Our Young Players

We create a safe and positive environment for all our young players. Here's how we achieve this:

• Following Best Practices: We adhere to The FA's Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures. We also proactively share our own Club Safeguarding Policy with everyone involved in our organisation, including parents, players, coaches, and officials.
• Dedicated Safeguarding Officer: We have a designated Club Welfare Officer who is readily available to answer questions and provide support. We ensure everyone involved in the club knows their contact details.
• Up-to-Date Records: We maintain accurate and current information on all club officials within the FA's systems. This ensures transparency and accountability.
• Qualified Team Staff: All team officials working directly with players under 18 must be registered with the FA and have a valid DBS check. They must also complete all mandatory FA Safeguarding training modules.
• Safeguarding Concerns: We have clear procedures for reporting any safeguarding concerns. We take all reports seriously and follow The FA's established guidelines.
• Supportive Environment: We strive to create a child-centred culture where all our players feel valued, respected, and safe to participate to their full potential.
• Two Adults Present: For all club-organised activities involving players under 18, we ensure a minimum of two FA DBS-checked and safeguarding trained adults are present.

Additional Safeguarding Measures for Play Phase (4-5 year olds):

For our youngest players (ages 4-5) participating in the "Play Phase" activities, we take extra precautions to ensure their safety and well-being:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: We conduct a specific safeguarding risk assessment tailored to our Play Phase activities.
• Formal Registration: Each session has a formal registration process to ensure everyone is accounted for.
• Clear Communication: We proactively inform parents/carers about the location of toilets and handwashing facilities.
• Parental Supervision: Parents/carers are required to supervise their children throughout the session, including for any intimate care needs.
• Missing Child Protocol: We have a clearly defined missing child protocol in place to ensure a swift and coordinated response if needed.