A range of Online Drop-In Sessions is being hosted for Club Welfare Officers (CWOs) by our Safeguarding Department, offering a chance to connect with others in the role and to seek support with football safeguarding practices.

The sessions also provide the opportunity for discussion and to ask questions whilst staying up-to-date with the latest safeguarding updates, equipping Club Welfare Officers as the 2024/25 season gathers pace. An Online Introduction for New Club Welfare Officers is also available, plus free ‘Gaming & Gambling Awareness Training’ is also coming up.

All these sessions are open forums, designed to create a space to exchange ideas, get feedback and strengthen safeguarding practices within clubs. They also present a useful opportunity to address concerns and to explore solutions to common safeguarding challenges.

Essex County FA Safeguarding Officer, Emily Reece, said: “We would like to thank Club Welfare Officers for their hard work and commitment in keeping children and young people safe in football. We hope these sessions can further support Welfare Officers in their vital role and offer opportunities to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.”

Take a look at these sessions below and book your place/s. You can also contact our Safeguarding Department here, interact with @EssexCountyFA on X and search for the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook

Club Welfare Officer Online Drop-In Sessions

Wednesday 25th September: Lunchtime Session (12:00-1:00pm)

Wednesday 25th September: Evening Session (6:00-7:00pm)

Online Introduction for New Club Welfare Officers

Are you new to the role of Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in youth football? Join our Safeguarding Department for a virtual introduction.

You’ll also talk through the responsibilities of CWOs, including safeguarding qualifications (FA DBS [Disclosure and Barring Service] checks) and the importance of embedding an ever-safer culture of best practice within your club.

Wednesday 9th October (6:30-7:30pm)

Free Gaming & Gambling Awareness Training

Ygam is an award-winning charity with a mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms.

Working in partnership with GamCare, Ygam provides City & Guilds Assured training and equips delegates with the knowledge, resources and confidence to support children and young people in their own settings. Ygam are delivering fully-funded workshops and, by attending, you’ll aim to achieve the following learning outcomes: 

* understand why children and young people might game/gamble
* understand what is meant by gaming/gambling-related harm
* recognise the signs of gaming/gambling-related harm
* know where to find further support
* have increased confidence when talking to children and young people about gaming and gambling

In-Person: Thursday 10th October (6:00-8:30pm), Essex County FA (CM2 5LB)

Online: Wednesday 6th November (6:00-8:30pm), Microsoft Teams