Parents and carers across the country are being encouraged to check their knowledge of key precautions to ensure they are clear about footballs safeguards.

Children of all ages consistently tell us they play football to have fun and be with friends, and thankfully the vast majority of children’s experience in football is positive.

Sadly though, for some, this isn’t the case.

From parents, carers, coaches, club administrators, volunteers, referees and welfare officers; every adult in football has a responsibility to understand and uphold safeguards, and this week we are asking every parent/carer to ensure they play their part by making sure they:

• Know who coaches their child and that they are FA DBS checked and safeguarding trained.
• Have the name and contact details of their club’s welfare officer in their phone.
• Are clear about acceptable and unacceptable behaviours at their child’s club.
• Sign up and adhere to their club’s code of conduct.
• Help their child to understand their rights and know who they can talk to you if they are worried about an adult’s behaviour.
• Encourage their child to speak out about anything that worries them, no matter how big or small.

Sue Ravenlaw, Head of Safeguarding at the FA, said: “Hundreds of thousands of footballs volunteers have completed The FAs safeguarding training and a DBS check.

“Every club with youth teams has a dedicated Club Welfare Officer and a committee that has completed safeguarding training.

“We want to ensure that every parent and carer is clear about the safeguards at their child’s club, and understand how they can also help to keep their child safe.”

For more information on Parents In Sport Week, click here.