Child Welfare – Information from the FA
To contact the Taunton & District Youth League Welfare Officer please use the contact us link on the main navigation bar.
Introduction
The safeguarding of children and young people is the responsibility of every adult in football. Every club has a responsibility to play its part in ensuring it provides an experience that is fun, encouraging and safe for everyone. It is therefore essential that every football club has a Safeguarding Children Policy. This policy needs to be embraced and understood by club members so that it becomes part of the club’s way of thinking and working on a daily basis. By building the essence of the policy into your club’s management and daily and weekly running of activities, you will be developing a best practice approach, which will benefit everyone involved with your club.
A club which is child-centred is more likely to have a well run and friendly environment which attracts more members.
Important Downloads
- Safeguarding Children & Young People in Football
- Developing a club Safeguarding Children policy
- Club anti-bullying policy template
- Developing a club Safeguarding Children template
The following information is provided to help you to implement a Club Safeguarding Children Policy. If you have any concerns or need for clarification, please contact your County Football Association for guidance.
Where to start
- As an affiliated football club you are required to comply with The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures, so ensure that your club has an up-to-date copy. This can be obtained via www.TheFA.com/FootballSafe
- Consider what guidance and policies your club already has in place. It is likely that you are already doing much of what is required
- Ensure that the club chairperson and committee are aware of the need for the policy and have a basic understanding of the implications.Appoint a designated person for safeguarding children (Club Welfare Officer or CWO). They will have the lead responsibility for safeguarding children within the club and can assist in implementing your policy • For further information refer to the Safeguarding Children Guidelines for appointing a CWO.
What next
- An example of a Club Safeguarding Children Policy has been provided for you to adapt specifically for your club. All you need to do is to insert your club name where required Click here to download the template
- Please note: Those clubs who have not yet chosen to appoint a CWO will need to cross out point six on the policy template or, alternatively, appoint a CWO. The CWO is expected to take a lead role in promoting this policy and helping members.
Dont forget that there are lots of useful links on the internet. Here are a few:
https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/