You'll all have seen the stories in the news regards recent allegations of child abuse at a number of football clubs. It would be wrong to believe that this happens just in the professional game, witness the jailing of a teacher / football official from a local school and junior football club based only a few miles away from our base last year.

In our club all of our coaches and assistant coaches are subjected to the 'Disclosure and Barring Service' (DBS, formerly CRB), and also attend the Football Association's 'Safeguarding Children' course every three years. These are mandatory with-in the club. We also have a fully trained 'Welfare Officer' with-in the club - James Arthure. These are all contributory factors to us continuing to have the Football Association's Charter Standard status.

These are precautionary and preventative measures, but it's sad to say these days that we need all of you parents / guardians to also be aware of your responsibilities. For instance, if you are photographing or videoing training or matches you need to seek permission of the coach / coaches, and if you are publishing the pictures online (other than the club website) you need other parent's permission (photos on our website are only viewable by members - who have to apply to the site administrator first - anyone not verifying who they are don't get assigned membership). Similarly, some parents leave their child at a match or at training and collect them at the end - nothing wrong with that (we're all busy these days), but if you do so you must advise the coach and your child as to who the nominated adult is who will have your parental authority while you are away. Very young players often want to 'get a drink' or go to the toilet - the coach cannot maintain visibility or supervision of the child in these circumstances. Please have a think as to what you can do to help ensure our; and your children remain safe.

There are a number of very good initiatives and articles published by the Football Association at the moment, including details of their helpline - http://www.gloucestershirefa.com/news/2016/nov/nspcc-and-the-fa-launch-designated-helpline

Let's all be safe and enjoy our football. Thank you for your time.

Ross
Chairman, Shire Colts JFC