1. Our commitment
The welfare of the child comes first, always. We work to the standards expected by The FA and to statutory guidance in England, and safeguarding takes priority over coaching, competition and commercial considerations.
2. Safer recruitment
- All coaches and staff working with children hold an in-date enhanced DBS check.
- Staff complete safeguarding and first aid training, refreshed on a regular cycle.
- References and qualifications are checked before anyone works unsupervised with children.
- Certificate expiry is tracked in our staff system and anyone out of date is removed from sessions.
3. Designated safeguarding lead
A designated safeguarding lead oversees all concerns, keeps confidential records and liaises with statutory agencies. Concerns are logged, triaged and reviewed — not left to informal conversation.
4. Code of conduct
- Coaches avoid being alone and unobserved with a child.
- Physical contact is limited to what is needed for safety, technique demonstration or first aid, and is explained to the child.
- Staff do not contact children privately on social media or messaging apps; communication goes through parents or the member app.
- Language, banter and discipline are age-appropriate and never humiliating.
5. Raising a concern
If you are worried about a child, tell a coach or email our safeguarding contact at the foot of this page. Concerns are acknowledged quickly and acted upon. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local authority children's services.
6. Photography and social media
Photos and video are only taken where photo consent has been given, only by staff or approved accounts, and are never published alongside a child's full name, school or location. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
7. Anti-bullying and equality
Bullying, discrimination and abuse of any kind are not tolerated at any venue or in the member app. Reports are investigated and can result in suspension or permanent exclusion.
8. Records and confidentiality
Safeguarding information is stored securely with restricted access and is shared only with the people who need it to keep a child safe. See our privacy policy for retention detail.