FA Youth Award Module 3: Developing the player

Lets talk about keeping children safe in football

In support of the NSPCC Parents in Sport Week, Guernsey County FA is asking every parent/carer with a child involved in the game to ensure they are clear about footballs safeguards.

Consistently children of all ages tell us they play football to have fun and be with friends. 

Thankfully, the vast majority of children’s experience in football is positive, but sadly, for some, this isn’t the case.

From parents, carers, coaches, club administrators, volunteers, referees and welfare officers; every adult in football has a responsibility to understand and uphold safeguards.

This week we are asking every parent/carer to ensure they play their part by making sure they:

  • Know who coaches their child and that they are FA DBS checked and safeguarding trained.
  • Have the name and contact details of their club’s welfare officer in their phone.
  • Are clear about acceptable and unacceptable behaviours at their child’s club.
  • Sign up and adhere to their club’s code of conduct.
  • Help their child to understand their rights and know who they can talk to you if they are worried about an adult’s behaviour.
  • Encourage their child to speak out about anything that worries them, no matter how big or small.

Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding said:

“Hundreds of thousands of footballs volunteers have completed The FAs safeguarding training and a DBS check. Every club with youth teams has a dedicated Club Welfare Officer and a committee that has completed safeguarding training.  We want to ensure that every parent/carer is clear about the safeguards at their child’s club and understand how they can also help to keep their child safe”.

Guernsey FA Chief Executive Officer and Senior Safeguarding Lead, Gary Roberts, added:

“The Guernsey FA works tirelessly to monitor safeguarding in local football and to support local clubs in ensuring volunteers have the relevant training and qualifications. However, it is important to remember that parents and guardians also have an important role to play in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for young people to enjoy football, but also to have in having an understanding of what should be expected by local clubs in safeguarding their children. The film that has been produced provides that insight, and we would recommend that all parents and guardians find the time to watch it and improve their own safeguarding understanding.”

To view the film ‘Let’s talk about keeping children safe in football’ click here

For more information on PISW visit - https://thecpsu.org.uk/upcoming-events/2020-10-05-parents-in-sport-week/