Safeguarding Video

Let's Talk About Keeping Children Safe in Football

Everyone with a child involved in the game should be clear about safeguarding

Hertfordshire FA is asking every parent or carer with a child involved in the game to ensure they are clear about football's safeguards

Children of all ages consistently tell us they play football to have fun and be with friends, and thankfully the vast majority of children’s experience in football is positive.

Sadly, for some however, this isn’t the case. This is why we all need to be vigilant to ensure clubs are places where unacceptable behaviours are challenged and children supported.

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

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

The FA has produced a film ‘Let’s Talk About Keeping Children Safe in Football’ which makes clear what parents should expect from clubs and what to do if they have concerns.

Karl Lingham, Hertfordshire FA CEO and Senior Safeguarding Lead said:

“We work to ensure that thousands of volunteers across Hertfordshire football have a DBS check and appropriate Safeguarding training, and that all clubs with youth teams have a dedicated Club Welfare Officer, but this alone is not enough.

It’s important that every parent and carer is clear about the safeguards at their child’s club and understand what they can do to help to keep their child safe. Only by working together can we make sure that football is a positive experience for all”.

For further information about Safeguarding in football you can follow the link below or contact us if you have any questions via safeguarding@hertfordshirefa.com.

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