Safeguarding

Worcestershire Disability Football Club is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults involved with our club.

The welfare and safety of our players is our highest priority.

All coaches and volunteers working in regulated roles:

• Complete appropriate FA safeguarding requirements

• Hold Enhanced DBS checks

• Follow FA safeguarding guidance

• Promote a safe, inclusive and positive environment

Club Welfare Officer
Chloe French
📧 wdfc_cwo@wdfc.org

Safeguarding & Child Protection

At Worcestershire Disability Football Club, the safety and wellbeing of every child, young person and adult at risk is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy football free from abuse, bullying, discrimination and poor practice.

We fully support and adopt the safeguarding policies, procedures and standards of The Football Association (The FA) and Worcestershire FA. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and all coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents, carers and players have an important role to play in creating a safe football environment.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Putting the welfare of children, young people and adults first.

• Providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or background.

• Promoting a culture of respect, dignity and equality throughout the club.

• Ensuring all coaches and volunteers working in eligible roles meet The FA's safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements, including the appropriate DBS checks and safeguarding training.

• Encouraging everyone to speak up if they have concerns, knowing they will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

• Working in partnership with parents, carers, Worcestershire FA, The FA and statutory agencies to safeguard all participants.

Club Welfare Officer

Our Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for any safeguarding or welfare concern.

Club Welfare Officer: Chloe French
Email: wdfc_cwo@wdfc.org

If you have any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, young person or adult at risk, please contact our Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible.

Reporting a Concern

If someone is in immediate danger, always contact the emergency services by calling 999.

For non-emergency safeguarding concerns, please report them to our Club Welfare Officer. Concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and referred to Worcestershire FA, The FA or the appropriate statutory agencies where necessary.

The club also supports The FA's Whistleblowing Policy, allowing anyone to report concerns about poor practice or abuse in confidence.

Respect

Worcestershire Disability Football Club is proud to support The FA Respect programme. We expect all players, parents, carers, coaches, volunteers and spectators to:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

• Promote positive behaviour and good sportsmanship.

• Challenge bullying, discrimination and abusive behaviour.

• Help create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued and able to enjoy football.

Any behaviour that places others at risk or breaches our Codes of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with club and FA procedures.

Together, we are committed to making football safe, enjoyable and accessible for everyone.