Last updated: 07/11/2025

1. Purpose

At Young United FC, the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person involved in our club is our highest priority.
This policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where all participants can learn, play, and grow in confidence, free from harm, abuse, or neglect.

2. Our Commitment

Young United FC:

  • Believes every child has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • Recognises its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults involved in club activities.
  • Takes all safeguarding concerns seriously and responds swiftly and appropriately.
  • Promotes a culture of openness, trust, and respect.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All players under 18 years old.
  • Coaches, assistants, volunteers, staff, and management.
  • Parents, guardians, and spectators involved in club activities.
  • Visiting players and staff during matches or events organised by Young United FC.

4. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

The club appoints a Designated Safeguarding Officer to act as the main point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.

Name: [Insert Safeguarding Officer’s Name]
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]

The DSO is responsible for:

  • Receiving and recording all safeguarding concerns.
  • Taking appropriate action in line with club procedures.
  • Liaising with local authorities or child protection agencies where necessary.
  • Ensuring all coaches and volunteers receive basic safeguarding awareness training.

5. Code of Conduct

All staff, players, and volunteers must:

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
  • Place the welfare of children above all else.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with players.
  • Avoid situations that could be misinterpreted.
  • Never use physical punishment, bullying, or humiliating behaviour.
  • Report any concerns immediately to the DSO.

6. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse (hitting, shaking, misuse of medication).
  • Emotional abuse (threats, humiliation, intimidation).
  • Sexual abuse (inappropriate touching, grooming, exploitation).
  • Neglect (failure to provide adequate food, shelter, supervision).
  • Online abuse (cyberbullying, harassment, inappropriate contact).

All club members share responsibility for identifying and reporting any signs of abuse.

7. Reporting Concerns

If you believe a child is at risk:

  1. Report your concern to the Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately.
  2. If the child is in immediate danger, contact local authorities or the police.
  3. Do not promise confidentiality — explain that concerns must be shared with those who can help.
  4. Record what you saw or heard factually and submit it to the DSO as soon as possible.

8. Recruitment & Training

  • All coaches and volunteers working with children will undergo background checks (Police Checks or equivalent) before appointment.
  • Regular safeguarding and child protection training will be provided to ensure understanding of responsibilities.
  • New staff and volunteers will be briefed on this policy as part of their induction.

9. Online Safety

  • The club will monitor its digital platforms to protect players from online bullying or inappropriate contact.
  • Photos and videos of players will only be published with prior consent from parents/guardians.
  • Personal contact details of players will never be shared publicly.

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • There is a change in legislation.
  • A safeguarding incident occurs.
  • The club structure or activity scope changes.

11. Contact

For any safeguarding concerns, please contact:

Young United FC Safeguarding Officer
📧 Email: youngunitedfc2019@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.youngunitedfc.com

Club Motto:

“Always First – Building Character, Discipline, and Safety On and Off the Pitch.”