Ability Counts League High Five

Safeguarding U18s and Adults At Risk In Open-Age Football

HELPING ADULT CLUBS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

We are constantly working to make football in our county a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Safeguarding in football remains the number one priority for the County FA. The FA has improved safeguarding in youth football but recognise that 16 and 17-year olds participating in open-age football are legally still children and the same safeguarding requirements need to be applied.     

At the start of 2020 The FA contacted all open-age adult football clubs and leagues across the country to support them in fully understanding their safeguarding responsibilities for under-18s, and adults in disability teams.

Every open-age adult club is required to ensure the safeguarding of any under-18s involved with the club. In addition, where there are adult disability teams, they are required to promote safeguarding adults across every aspect of the club and appoint a club welfare officer. 

Details of the requirements at each level of the game can be found in the documents below. Many clubs will already meet these requirements, particularly those who also offer youth football where similar requirements have been enforced for some time.

We are here to help

Staffordshire FA is committed to creating safe and enjoyable football for all. We are here to support all our adult clubs and leagues to ensure these requirements are met and can help you with any questions you may have in terms of safeguarding.

For further information and assistance please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer, Jan Scott, on 01785 256994 or email support@staffordshirefa.com

DOWNLOAD THE FA LETTER TO CLUBS

DOWNLOAD THE FA LETTER TO LEAGUES