Education and Welfare
Friday, 11 April 2003.
The advent of Football Academies has seen the mandatory appointment of a full-time Education and Welfare Officer to each one. These are educational professionals who are charged with monitoring the educational provision of the student and developing a relationship with the individual student, his parents and his school.
Clubs and players are encouraged to develop a productive partnership, especially in terms of personal, technical, social and academic development. The Football Association has established an Education and Welfare Committee including the professional leagues, PFA, English Schools' FA, Secondary Heads Association, Head Teachers' Association and Association of Chief Education Officers.
In addition, The Football Association has appointed an Education and Welfare Advisor who, in conjunction with staff from The FA Premier League and Football League, will ensure the development of good practice, particularly in respect of Education, Welfare and Child Protection issues.
The Football Association also provides regular in-service training for staff within the academies to ensure the education of young footballers in all spheres in order to equip the young player for the future. The Charter for Quality places the emphasis on Academies to enter into a Code of Conduct with young players and their parents where each party acknowledges and agrees to its responsibilities in the partnership.
The Football Association and FA Premier League have also developed detailed policies on Child Protection and each Club will be expected to produce its own policies, procedures and practices in this area.