From Season 2010-11, all leagues and clubs with youth teams must have a named Welfare Officer who has an 'accepted' CRB check via The FA CRB Unit and who has completed The FA Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officer Workshops.
It is most important that all clubs understand these requirements and ensure that their Welfare Officers have met these demands because if they haven’t, you will not be able to affiliate your team and therefore will not be able to play football.
The message to comply with the above is one that is being made repeatedly and loudly both from the County FA and by the Youth League Welfare Officers and League Secretaries.
Clubs should consider whether the number of welfare officers they have is adequate for the number of teams they have. Staffordshire FA is recommending that assistant welfare officer be appointed and trained in order to ensure compliance and best working practices.
The FA will ensure that sufficient courses are arranged and a number have already taken place.
For more information please contact Julie Wilshire
The FA CRB Unit: 0845 210 8080 or email The CRB Unit with your query