Safeguarding & Welfare

Safeguarding underpins everything we do. We operate a written Safeguarding Policy that commits us to a safe, positive environment for all children, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or background. All coaches are trained in FA Safeguarding Children, and we have a Designated Safeguarding Officer (Daniel Reilly) in place. Clear procedures exist for recognising, reporting and responding to concerns. Our Camp Lead holds an enhanced DBS and oversees all activity.

We share our safeguarding approach and expectations with parents, provide clear sign-in and sign-out systems, and encourage parents to speak to us early if they have any concerns. We maintain confidentiality and follow data protection guidelines to protect your family's information.

Our Health and Safety Policy includes comprehensive risk assessments for all activities and venues, emergency procedures (fire evacuation, accidents, first aid), regular equipment and facility checks, and accident reporting. Qualified first-aiders are present at camps at all times, with fully stocked first aid kits available.

Our Fire and Evacuation / Security Threat Policy ensures regular fire risk assessments, clear signage for fire exits and assembly points, and staff and children are briefed on evacuation routes at the start of camp. A designated person meets and briefs emergency services on arrival if needed.

We promote balanced packed lunches and snacks (fruit, yoghurt, cereal bars), encourage water and diluted juices while avoiding high-sugar drinks, and provide access to clean drinking water. We schedule dedicated lunch breaks and regular drink breaks throughout the day.

All participants are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or background. Activities and coaching methods are designed to be inclusive. Reasonable adjustments are made wherever possible to support players with additional needs. Discrimination, bullying or harassment is not tolerated.

The Code of Conduct for our camps and sessions sets expectations that everyone will show respect to others, demonstrate sportsmanship, follow all safety instructions, take care of facilities, and report concerns quickly to staff. Serious or repeated breaches can lead to a child being asked to leave a camp or session to protect the wider group.

We encourage informal resolution first by speaking to a relevant coach or the Camp Lead. We provide a formal written complaints process if needed, committing to acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and aiming to resolve them within 28 days. We treat all complaints confidentially and use them as feedback to continually improve.

Our Accident and Emergency Policy ensures a clear immediate response to any accident or illness, prioritising the safety of the child. All accidents are reported and recorded, parents are contacted quickly if there is a significant issue, and emergency services (999) are called where necessary with a staff member remaining with the child at all times.