Safeguarding Policy 2023/24

New Forest Football Academy acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members.

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays in football, should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment.

The key principles of the child protection policy are that:

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
• All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential

New Forest Football Academy has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. 

Alongside their coaching qualifications, all current New Forest Football Academy members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure & Barring service and hold up to date first aid qualifications, in line with the FA's child protection and best practice guidelines.

We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our Academy. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to notify and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents will be reported to the specific parties immediately.