Ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for every young participant in football is our top priority. Our Club Child Welfare Officer has completed the FA Child Protection Course, which is open to all adults involved in youth football (For those interested in attending, please contact the Club Secretary). We treat reported incidents with utmost seriousness and conduct thorough investigations. If unable to resolve an incident internally, we will seek guidance from the appropriate authorities.

To prevent situations where abuse can occur within a sports context and to safeguard Managers, Coaches, and Volunteers, it’s essential to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Always maintain a public and open environment when working with children or young people, avoiding situations where you are unobserved.

2. When providing treatment (first aid, physiotherapy, or general injury care) in a closed area, ensure another person is present. Parents should be invited to observe treatment procedures, and it’s crucial never to close the door. All treatment should be explained to the child/young person, and verbal consent must be obtained.

3. Whenever possible, parents should take responsibility for their children in changing rooms. If teams require supervision by a Manager/Coach in the changing room, always work in pairs.

4. In mixed teams, there should always be a male and female manager, coach, or volunteer accompanying the players.

By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a secure and nurturing environment for every young individual involved in football at our club.