This week is the start of Guernsey FA’s ‘Safeguarding Awareness’ week, which culminates with support for The Football Association’s national safeguarding campaign, ‘Play Safe’ on the weekend of Saturday 30^th Sept/Sunday 1^st October.

Play Safe is a national campaign aimed at focussing attention on the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game. Led by The Football Association, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game.

This season, Guernsey FA and The FA, are asking EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals if they wish) – to tell us what they are planning to do to make a difference over the Play Safe weekend and to share this via an online Play Safe Pledge.

The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group (FASSSAG) continues to support Play Safe: “Creating safe environments in every football setting is a collective responsibility. It’s really important that every single person in football – no matter if they’re actively involved or on the sidelines – understands that they have an ongoing role to play. Knowing how to act on any concerns is vital and Play Safe is a key way to raise awareness so that everyone is vigilant and knows what to do if they become aware of any inappropriate behaviour.”

This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE has to play – coach, player, parent/carer, spectator or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns.

These messages are reflected in the visuals on this page, which are examples of the various digital and print resources being distributed to every County FA, league and club in England to promote this important message, and which you will see across various communications and social media platforms this week. Clubs have all bene provided with free captain’s armbands to be worn at various levels of the game over the weekend. Head coaches/managers are also being asked to wear Play Safe pin badges to show their support.

The Play Safe campaign, and the Guernsey FA ‘Safeguarding Awareness’ week are part of the continued work to create an ever-safer culture across the game at every level. Throughout the week, Guernsey FA will be sign-posting everybody involved in the game – league, clubs, players, referees, volunteers, parents – to information and training as part of the ongoing commitment to make the game safe, enjoyable and accessible for everyone:

• Tuesday – Guernsey FA 2023/24 Safeguarding Guide
• Wednesday – Safeguarding for Children & Young People
• Thursday – Safeguarding for Parents & Carers
• Friday – Safeguarding Education Guide