Clubs need to ensure they get their coaches registered and verified with The FA
With just under a week to go until a key deadline, we are actively working with clubs to ensure they get their coaches named and registered with The FA.
This is the next stage of implementing their safeguarding commitment, as first set out by Chairman Greg Clarke on 6 December.
This is an important step to ensure that all affiliated youth clubs have the relevant up-to-date checks in place, so that youngsters can play the game in a fun and safe environment.
The clubs concerned have until midnight on Sunday 15 January to complete the process. A key aspect of the commitment required all club officials to be accurately recorded on The FA’s Whole Game System (WGS).
Any team still playing matches must comply with this by submitting name and contact details. In addition, clubs are being reminded that all coaches of youth teams must have an FA accepted in-date criminal records check.
Clubs that have a coach not compliant with this must not be allowed to coach, train, supervise or assist at matches with any youth teams, until this requirement is met. This applies when working with U18s and clubs are responsible for ensuring that no-one coaches, or has unsupervised access to children, until they have an FA accepted check.
“Whilst all clubs have renewed their commitment to safeguarding, by signing up to the Club Safeguarding Commitment Statement, a portion of clubs need to proactively provide data and follow up with the requisite checks," said Sue Ravenlaw, head of safeguarding for The FA.
"Our message to them is simple; if you are struggling to meet this requirement, engage with your County FA who are there to offer all the support and guidance required.”
This is the next stage of implementing their safeguarding commitment, as first set out by Chairman Greg Clarke on 6 December.
This is an important step to ensure that all affiliated youth clubs have the relevant up-to-date checks in place, so that youngsters can play the game in a fun and safe environment.
The clubs concerned have until midnight on Sunday 15 January to complete the process. A key aspect of the commitment required all club officials to be accurately recorded on The FA’s Whole Game System (WGS).
Any team still playing matches must comply with this by submitting name and contact details. In addition, clubs are being reminded that all coaches of youth teams must have an FA accepted in-date criminal records check.
Clubs that have a coach not compliant with this must not be allowed to coach, train, supervise or assist at matches with any youth teams, until this requirement is met. This applies when working with U18s and clubs are responsible for ensuring that no-one coaches, or has unsupervised access to children, until they have an FA accepted check.
“Whilst all clubs have renewed their commitment to safeguarding, by signing up to the Club Safeguarding Commitment Statement, a portion of clubs need to proactively provide data and follow up with the requisite checks," said Sue Ravenlaw, head of safeguarding for The FA.
"Our message to them is simple; if you are struggling to meet this requirement, engage with your County FA who are there to offer all the support and guidance required.”
