EDGE FA FOOTBALL ACADEMY

ONE-TO-ONE & SMALL GROUP COACHING POLICY

1. POLICY STATEMENT

Edge FA Football Academy recognises that individual and small group coaching can support player development. The academy is committed to ensuring that all one-to-one and small group coaching activities are delivered safely, professionally and in accordance with safeguarding best practice.

2. PURPOSE

This policy establishes safeguarding requirements, coaching standards and supervision arrangements for one-to-one and small group coaching sessions delivered by Edge FA coaches and self-employed coaching providers.

3. DEFINITION

• One-to-One Coaching - One coach working with one player.

• Small Group Coaching - One coach working with a maximum of four (4) players at any one time.

4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• The welfare of the player is paramount.

• Safeguarding takes priority over coaching activity.

• Parents must provide consent before participation.

• Sessions must be conducted transparently.

• Coaches must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

5. COACH REQUIREMENTS

All coaches delivering one-to-one or small group sessions must hold an appropriate FA coaching qualification, a valid Enhanced DBS check where required, current safeguarding training, appropriate first aid certification, and comply with all Edge FA safeguarding policies.

6. LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Sessions must take place in appropriate football environments where activities can be observed by parents, carers, academy staff or members of the public. Sessions must not take place in private residences, isolated locations, or environments where observation is not possible.

7. PARENTAL CONSENT

Written parental consent must be obtained before any player under 18 participates in one-to-one coaching sessions. Parents must be informed of session location, session duration, coach details and coaching objectives where appropriate.

8. BOOKING & SESSION ARRANGEMENTS

All one-to-one and small group coaching sessions delivered under the Edge FA Football Academy programme must be arranged, authorised and administered directly through Edge FA Football Academy.

Parents, players, coaches, self-employed coaches and contractors must not make private arrangements, bookings or coaching agreements outside of Edge FA Football Academy for sessions connected to the academy or involving Edge FA players.

All enquiries, bookings, scheduling requests and session arrangements must be made through Edge FA Football Academy by contacting:

admin@edgefa.co.uk

This requirement ensures safeguarding oversight, accurate record keeping, parental consent management, coach allocation, quality assurance and compliance with Edge FA policies and procedures.

Any coach, parent or participant found to be arranging sessions outside of Edge FA Football Academy may be subject to review and appropriate action in accordance with academy policies.

9. COMMUNICATION

All communication must follow the Edge FA Online Safety and Social Media Policies. Parents should be included in communications relating to players under 18 wherever possible.

10. TRANSPORT

Coaches must not routinely transport players to or from sessions unless covered by the Edge FA Transporting Players Policy and appropriate consent arrangements.

11. RECORD KEEPING

Edge FA may maintain records of one-to-one and small group coaching sessions including attendance, consent records and safeguarding information where required.

12. REPORTING CONCERNS

Any safeguarding, welfare or conduct concerns arising during one-to-one or small group coaching must be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.

13. BREACHES OF THIS POLICY

Breaches may result in guidance and support, additional safeguarding training, restriction from coaching activities, suspension of coaching engagements, termination of service agreements, or referral to The Football Association or relevant authorities where appropriate. Nothing within this policy creates a contract of employment between Edge FA Football Academy and any self-employed coach or contractor.

14. MONITORING & REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required following safeguarding developments, incidents or updated FA guidance.

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EDGE FA VALUES

Developing Players. Building Futures.

Respect | Inclusion | Excellence | Integrity

Safeguarding Children is Everyone’s Responsibility.