Visitors to our website can discover a wealth of safeguarding guidance, ideas and support which can be accessed by local clubs and leagues, helping to ensure every participant can enjoy grassroots football in a safe, fair and enjoyable environment.

We place the safeguarding and welfare of young people high on our agenda. It's the responsibility of every adult involved in football. Every club is required to endorse and adhere to The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy. Therefore, policies and information on how to report concerns can be found here, as well as social media guidance and essential news.

It’s important to remember that every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, or adult at risk, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. Content in the ‘Safeguarding & Welfare’ section includes: 

* Safeguarding Policies and Reporting Concerns: ongoing work to make the game as safe and enjoyable as possible, led by The FA, the game’s governing body
* Social Media Guidance: in today’s world, safeguarding children and young people applies as much online as it does face-to-face
* Safeguarding Update: important news and updates as they happen

We offer a range of safeguarding services and training to help create a safe and enjoyable football experience for everyone. We ensure safeguarding requirements are met as a requirement of club affiliation and support clubs to maintain these standards.

Meanwhile, The FA are also often asked for advice and guidance to help clubs create fun, safe and inclusive environments. This advice, in the form of 'Guidance Notes', is available to download in themed-sections on their website.

They have gathered all the Guidance Notes (available here) as a complete directory for easy reference. You’ll find top tips, templates and a useful resource to browse through and see what you and/or your club might benefit from moving forward.

Discover the information and support available to grassroots football Club and League Welfare Officers by following this link. Details are also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.