Safeguarding

Safeguarding children is high on The FA's agenda and in Gloucestershire we seek to implement the guidance from The FA and also use the learning of a dedicated group who work towards making football as safe as possible within the county. The team includes qualified trainers who deliver the range of Safeguarding Children courses, those within the office and the football development staff who support referees, team and clubs to achieve higher standards and our County Child Protection Officer.

Our goal is to have someone at every club in the county aware of child protection and best practice, whether it's a Professional Club's Academy, a park or other amateur side or the thriving youth football community within the county. With clubs the nominated or designated person would be known as a Club Welfare Officer. If within a youth league, Youth League Welfare Officer would be the suggested title for the post. We now use the word 'welfare' rather than 'child protection' because we see the role as wider than reacting to or preventing abuse and inclusive of promoting good practice.

Safeguarding children is about doing things the right way, doing things properly. It's about allowing children to enjoy the game without abuse of any kind. That means bullying, physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect.

The Gloucestershire County Football Association believe that football can have a powerful positive influence on children. But that means everyone involved in football must take on the responsibility of looking after those children that want to play the game.

If you would like to know more email childprotection@gloucestershirefa.com