The welfare, safety and security of all children and vulnerable adults involved in the game of football in Oxfordshire is a high priority of Oxfordshire FA. We work closely with the FA to ensure that all the relevant Safeguarding Children policies and practices are being adopted by all our youth leagues and clubs throughout the county in order to protect the children effectively, as well as the interests of our clubs. We wish to enhance the enjoyment of football in Oxfordshire in the safest possible environment.
Since the start of the 2008/09 season all Youth Clubs and Leagues have been required to have appointed a Club or League Welfare Officer. This was just the beginning of our continued efforts to eradicate all forms of child abuse, whether it is through neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse or bullying in football. Equally, we strive to eliminate all aspects of poor practice in the work undertaken in our area.
We support clubs in developing strategies to ensure their players are able to be healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve from their participation, whilst making a positive contribution and developing economic well being. Where there are concerns that these developments are at risk for any child involved in our clubs, we fully support the agencies that are available to deal with concerns when they arise, whether they be the Club or League Welfare Officers, the County Welfare Officers, the FA, NSPCC, Childrens' Services, the Local Childrens' Safeguarding Board, Police or other agencies.
We will continue to provide regular training opportunities for all those involved in working with children through the Safeguarding Children Workshops and for Club and League Welfare Officers, through the Welfare Officer Workshops that are arranged, followed by regular update meetings from time to time.
To facilitate this work we have made policies and guidelines available on this website in the Safeguarding Children section, so please do take time to explore the materials that are available there.
We will keep you all updated as developments emerge, such as the introduction of ISA and remind you that we are always available to you to support the resolution of concerns.