EDGE FA FOOTBALL ACADEMY
CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Edge FA Football Academy acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child and young person entrusted to its care. The welfare of the child is, and must always be, the paramount consideration. Edge FA is committed to providing a safe, positive and enjoyable environment where children and young people can participate in football free from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, exploitation or harm.
2. PURPOSE
Protect all children and young people participating in Edge FA activities; promote best safeguarding practice; ensure concerns are recognised, reported and managed appropriately; provide guidance for coaches, volunteers, parents and players; establish clear safeguarding responsibilities; create a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
3. SCOPE
Applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, team managers, officials, parents, carers, players, contractors and visitors during training, matches, camps, tours, online activities and academy events.
4. SAFEGUARDING PRINCIPLES
Put children first, listen to children, promote inclusion, act on concerns promptly and work in partnership with parents, The FA, local authorities, police and children’s services.
5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Academy Director oversees safeguarding. The Club Welfare Officer manages safeguarding concerns, records, referrals and compliance. Coaches, volunteers and parents must support safeguarding procedures and report concerns.
6. SAFER RECRUITMENT AND DBS CHECKS
Edge FA follows FA safer recruitment procedures, verifies identities, obtains references and ensures eligible roles complete Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training.
7. RECOGNISING ABUSE
Includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, online abuse and bullying.
8. REPORTING A CONCERN
If a child is at immediate risk call 999, ensure safety, inform the Club Welfare Officer and complete an incident report. Do not investigate concerns yourself.
9. MANAGING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS
All allegations must be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer and managed in accordance with FA procedures.
10. WHISTLEBLOWING
Concerns regarding conduct may be reported to the Club Welfare Officer, Hertfordshire FA, The FA, Police, Children’s Social Care or NSPCC.
11. ANTI-BULLYING
Bullying is unacceptable and all reports will be taken seriously, investigated appropriately and managed fairly.
12. ONLINE SAFETY AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Coaches must maintain professional boundaries, use approved communication channels and avoid inappropriate contact with players.
13. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Images may only be used appropriately, with consent where required, stored securely and removed where safeguarding concerns arise.
14. CODES OF CONDUCT
All players, parents, coaches, volunteers and officials are expected to follow Edge FA codes of conduct.
15. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORD KEEPING
Safeguarding records will be factual, secure and compliant with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.
16. SAFEGUARDING CONTACT INFORMATION
Club Welfare Officer: Matteo Mariani. Tel: 07368 234370. Email: info@edgefa.co.uk.
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000.
FA Safeguarding Team: 0800 169 1863.
Emergency: 999.
17. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, FA requirements or operational needs change. Next review: September 2027.
