As such, The FA sees youth leagues as key to helping to ensure the safeguarding of young people in football. The FA recognises that there are many proactive leagues that are already doing a great deal to address inappropriate sideline behaviour and to get clubs to play their part in being more aware of safeguarding children concerns. The appointment of the YLWO aims to give this stance a higher profile and consistency across grassroots football.
It is essential that the LWO is perceived as being approachable, having a child centered approach and the ability to maintain this perspective when carrying out their role.
The role of the Youth/Mini Soccer/Girls League Welfare Officer is to:
- know who the CFA Welfare Officer is and how to contact them
- know who the Club Welfare Officers are and how to contact them
- encourage all league clubs to implement The FA Safeguarding Children Policy
- encourage all league clubs to implement the Safeguarding Children in Football – Guidelines
- promote, support and encourage the benefits of the safeguarding education and awareness programme
- have an understanding of The FA CRB Unit and it’s role within safeguarding children and young people
- advocate the CRB Disclosure must be used as part of both the league and clubs safeguarding initiatives and encourage all clubs to make appropriate use of the FA’s CRB Unit.
Full training will be provided for Welfare Officers and it will be mandatory for all appointees to attend the Welfare Officers Workshop. Please see the related links section for the current schedule of the courses.
For further details contact mark.walter@surreyfa.com