Volunteering at Norristhorpe Junior Football Club
Volunteering with Norristhorpe Junior Football Club (NJFC) is a rewarding way to get involved in your child’s football journey and contribute to our community. To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, we have a clear process that must be followed before you can start volunteering.
For more detailed information about volunteering opportunities and expectations, please visit our Volunteer Information page.
Step 1: Set Up an FA FAN Number
To begin, you’ll need to set up an FA FAN (Football Association Number). This is essential for all volunteers:
- If you don’t have a FAN Number, you can register for one here.
- If you believe you already have a FAN Number but can’t remember it, please do not create a new one, as this can cause issues. Instead, retrieve your existing FAN Number here.
Step 2: Complete the Volunteer Application Form
Once your FAN Number is set up or retrieved, you’ll need to complete the Volunteer Application Form. If you encounter any issues with your FAN Number or the application form, please contact our Club Secretary, at secretary@norristhorpejuniors.co.uk.
Step 3: Begin the FA Enhanced DBS Check
After your application is approved by the committee, our Club Welfare Officer, Andrew Carden, will provide you with the details to start the FA Enhanced DBS process. Once completed, please arrange to verify your ID with Andrew at welfare@norristhorpejuniors.co.uk.
Important: Parent helpers and volunteers are NOT PERMITTED to participate in any football activities with the children (including their own) during training sessions or match day environments until the DBS check is successfully completed and approved by the Club Welfare Officer. However, it is acceptable to assist with carrying equipment, setting up goals, and similar tasks.
Step 4: Complete Required Training
If you are helping regularly at training or matches as an assistant coach, you must complete the FA Safeguarding Children and FA Introduction to First Aid in Football courses within three months of your application. Failure to do so will result in suspension from volunteering activities.
Note: At Norristhorpe Juniors FC, the safety and wellbeing of our players is our highest priority. To support this, we have clear guidelines in place to ensure all Team Officials are appropriately qualified and easily identifiable.
Identifying Club Officials
Only approved Team Officials are permitted to wear official club gear featuring the black-on-black “stealth” badge. This stealth badge distinguishes qualified officials from general volunteers, parents, and supporters.
To be issued this gear and recognised as a Team Official, individuals must have:
- A valid FA Enhanced DBS check
- Completed FA Safeguarding Children training
- Completed the FA Introduction to First Aid in Football qualification
- Completed the FA Introduction to Football qualification
Until these requirements are met and confirmation is received from the club, volunteers may support in other ways but must not wear stealth-badged clothing or represent themselves as Team Officials.
Club Merchandise for Supporters
We’re proud to offer a new range of branded gear for parents and supporters, featuring our classic black and yellow club badge. Wearing club colours is a great way to show your support — just please remember that the stealth badge is reserved exclusively for qualified Team Officials.
Non-Compliance
Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action, including possible suspension from volunteering activities.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and positive environment at Norristhorpe Juniors FC.
If you’re interested in pursuing the FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, please discuss this with the coach responsible for your child’s age group. The Club is committed to supporting suitable individuals with course bookings, arrangements, and reimbursement of costs.
For details on all available Safeguarding, Emergency Aid, and Introduction to Coaching Football courses, please visit the West Riding County FA website.
For more information on becoming a volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Information page.
