STOTFOLD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

1. Commitment to Safeguarding

Stotfold Junior Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person entrusted to its care. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members.

A child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The FA Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and fully endorse the principles outlined in that document.

 

 

2. Key Principles

The key principles of The FA and Stotfold Junior Football Club’s safeguarding policies are:

• The child’s welfare is always the paramount consideration.

• All children and young people have the right to protection from abuse, regardless of age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.

• All suspicious behaviour and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• Working in partnership with other agencies, children, young people, and their parents/carers is essential.

 

 

3. Our Role in Safeguarding

Stotfold Junior Football Club plays a vital role in safeguarding children and young people from physical, sexual, or emotional harm, neglect, and bullying. We acknowledge that The FA Child Protection Regulation applies to everyone in football, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes:

• Volunteers / Occasional helpers

• Match officials

• Coaches

• Club officials

• Medical staff

 

 

4. Responsible Recruitment

We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for volunteers. As part of our recruitment process, we will:

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities.

• Request identification documents.

• Conduct interviews where possible.

• Obtain and follow up on two references.

• Require an FA Enhanced DBS check for all relevant roles.

All members who regularly care for, supervise, train, or are in sole charge of children and young people must complete and maintain an FA DBS check in line with Disclosure and Barring Service and club guidelines.

 

 

5. Managing Concerns About Individuals

If concerns arise regarding the suitability of an individual involved with the club, guidance will be sought from The FA. The FA will assess the relevance and significance of any information obtained through the DBS process and make decisions in the best interests of children and young people.

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6. Whistleblowing Policy

Stotfold Junior Football Club supports The FA Whistle Blowing policy. Any adult or young person with concerns can report them by contacting:

• The Club Chairman

• The Child Welfare Officer

• The Club Secretary

• A Committee Member

Alternatively, concerns can be reported to:

• The FA Safeguarding Team: 0800 169 1863

• Police or Children’s Social Care

• Child Protection in Sport Unit: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk

 

 

7. Child Welfare Officer (CWO)

The club has appointed a Child Welfare Officer in line with FA guidelines for grassroots football. The CWO is responsible for:

• Managing safeguarding concerns

• Raising awareness of respect, poor practice, and abuse

• Being the first point of contact for any welfare concerns

 

 

8. Anti-Bullying Statement

Stotfold Junior Football Club recognises bullying as a form of abuse and does not tolerate it in any form. If bullying occurs, players or parents/carers must report it to the Child Welfare Officer at:

📧 childwelfare@stotfoldjuniorfc.co.uk

In serious cases, the County FA Safeguarding Officer may be contacted.

 

 

9. Reporting Concerns

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or young person:

1. Contact the Child Welfare Officer immediately.

2. If the concern relates to poor practice, the CWO will seek advice from the Chairman and manage the issue.

3. If the concern involves possible abuse:

   • The CWO will contact the County FA Safeguarding Officer and the police.

   • If medical attention is needed, take the child to hospital or call an ambulance, informing staff it is a child protection matter.

   • Notify the CWO of the actions taken.

If the CWO is unavailable, contact the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, or directly reach out to the police or child services.