Coach working with young players.

Club Safeguarding

Information and factsheets

The FA have put together a large library of information and factsheets to support all clubs in their quest to be the safest they can be. 

These sheets cover everything from providing policies and procedures to travel arrangements to reporting concerns.

Also, there are new sheets with advice on Physical Contact, Acceptable Behaviour and Managing Challenging Behaviour.   

To view these valuable sheets in supporting you to make football safe not sorry then please click here


Safeguarding in football

As we move through the season safeguarding must always be at the top of our agenda for all members of our club and whilst the Club Welfare Officer is pivotal in this safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility!

To support your club in making football safe not sorry the NSPCC have developed some really supportive information which you are recommended to visit by clicking here

If following reviewing this information you need more advice, please speak with your CWO or email safeguarding@oxfordshirefa.com

Youth Football Clubs

All youth football clubs in Oxfordshire have safeguarding at their heart with the role of Club Welfare Officer CWO being pivotal in allowing football to take place in a fun and safe environment – to learn more about the vital role of a CWO in a youth club please click here

As well as the CWO each club needs a vibrant and enthusiastic committee without whom clubs could not provide opportunities for young people to play football –To ensure Safeguarding is at the centre of the club ethos club committee members are encouraged to take the free safeguarding for committee members course which can be accessed by clicking here (this course is an annual mandatory requirement for club Chairpersons, Secretary’s Treasurers and CWOs)

For those who do not currently hold a club role but would like to improve their Safeguarding knowledge you can take the free on line “Safeguarding for All course” which can be accessed by clicking here

All club members who have regular unsupervised contact with young people need to have an in-date FA DBS (new name for Criminal Record Check), which must be renewed every 3 years.  For more information on how to do this please contact your CWO officer or email safeguarding@oxfordshriefa.com for more information.

If you are unsure if your role requires an FA DBS, please click here


How to support youth football

Could you be that person who supports young footballers to continue enjoying their football by becoming a committee member in your local club? For more information on how you can help please contact your local club or click here or email info@oxfordshirefa.com

MANAGERS OF ADULT TEAMS WITH UNDER-18 PLAYERS


Safeguarding children is not just about youth football where there will be under-18s playing.

Coaching or refereeing in open age games (adult) who have under-18 players must ensure that their club/ manager is annotated on Whole Game System and that person should also have an in-date DBS.

In addition, all under 18 players in open age teams should receive the leaflet 'Know Your Rights', which can be downloaded by clicking here