It may sound like a cliche, but children are football's future. It is essential that we look after them and their interests to the best of our ability.
Our Child Protection – Best Practice Workshop goes from strength to strength, and our Safeguarding Children package has been enhanced through the processing of FA Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks to ensure safe recruitment across football.
The support of County FAs and the Football Development team has helped create a change of culture in football at grassroots level, with safeguarding children on the agenda at clubs up and down the country. The FA is now further developing the support we provide for clubs and counties, as football should be played in an environment free from abuse and discrimination of any kind, but we are also aware of the demands on the huge volunteer workforce in our game.
We are encouraging all clubs to appoint a Club Welfare Officer and to ensure that they sit on their committee. These individuals will take the lead in clubs when it comes to safeguarding children. Start by looking to see what current practices are all ready in place that safeguard young people – this will be much more than most clubs realise, there is a lot of good practice already going on.
Alongside this will be a clear calendar for FA CRB checks; Charter Standard Clubs and County FAs have already shown the way here, and referees are currently completing the process.
There is a wealth of experience among the County FA Child Protection Officers who play a key role in The FA’s referral and case management process. Training and continued professional development are in place to ensure standards remain high.
Child protection is a continuing priority. It’s the responsibility of everyone at all levels of the game to act in the best interests of children. The FA’s Child Protection – Best Practice workshop continues to be rolled out for all coaches, medics and referees in football, and can be accessed via Westmorland County FA. And with 150,000 people having completed the workshop, there are 150,000 more guardians in the game fully-briefed on how to deliver football to children in a safe and enjoyable environment.
For advice about completing your FA CRB check, either contact
Peter Ducksbury, Child Protection Officer
on 01539 730946 / Peter.Ducksbury@WestmorlandFA.Com
or
visit www.TheFA.com/Goal
where you will find useful frequently asked questions as well as information about the process. All of the best practice guidance is also available on the website under the downloads section.
Remember child protection is everyone’s responsibility – make sure you are playing your part.
Further information is available from:
FA CRB Unit 0800 085 0506 / CRB@TheFA.Com
Goal Goal@TheFA.Com
The FA/NSPCC 0800 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
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