In support of the NSPCC Parents in Sport Week Gloucestershire FA is asking every parent/carer with a child involved in the game to ensure they are clear about footballs safeguards.

Consistently children of all ages tell us they play football to have fun and be with friends. 

Thankfully, the vast majority of children’s experience in football is positive, but sadly, for some, this isn’t the case.

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

This week 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.

Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding said: “Hundreds of thousands of footballs volunteers have completed The FAs safeguarding training and a DBS check. Every club with youth teams has a dedicated Club Welfare Officer and a committee that has completed safeguarding training.  We want to ensure that every parent/carer is clear about the safeguards at their child’s club and understand how they can also help to keep their child safe”.

Gloucestershire FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, Hugh Feltham spoke about the importance of the film in showing the improvements in Safeguarding standards.

"This is a fantastic film that highlights the strides we have made together within safeguarding over nearly two decades. It helps refresh the safeguarding message for everyone involved in the grassroots game, and we encourage everyone, parents/carers, coaches, club and league officials to watch it. Should anyone have any questions, they should not hesitate to contact either their club, league or the Gloucestershire FA using safeguarding@gloucestershirefa.com."

For more information on Parent In Sport Week please click here or visit our Safeguarding & Welfare page here.