Safeguarding at Norristhorpe Junior Football Club
At Norristhorpe Junior FC, the safety and welfare of every child is our number one priority. We are committed to providing a secure, inclusive and supportive environment where all children can enjoy football and thrive both as players and as people.
What To Do If You Have Concerns
If you have concerns about the welfare of a child within the club, or a child has given you information which concerns you, it is crucial that you act immediately. Remember, it is not your responsibility to determine whether abuse is taking place, but it is your duty to report any concerns to someone who can take the necessary action.
Please contact the Club’s Welfare Officer and Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Andrew Carden
Tel: 07980 811628
Email: welfare@norristhorpejuniors.co.uk
If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of the club, the following organizations can offer assistance:
- NSPCC: If you’re worried about a child and want to make a report, you can contact the NSPCC.
- CEOP: If you are worried about messages someone has sent you online or have been subjected to online sexual abuse, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) command is a dedicated police unit.
- Childline: If you are a child and think you have been subjected to abuse or are worried about the way someone is treating you, please contact Childline.
- Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU): Dedicated to protecting children in sport, the CPSU is a partnership between Sport England, Childline, and the NSPCC.
REMEMBER: If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
Digital Safety & Social Media
As part of our communications strategy, Norristhorpe Juniors uses social media and our website to share updates, celebrate achievements, and engage with our community. We follow The FA’s Social Media & Photography Guidelines, and take great care in safeguarding all online content.
Our Commitments:
- Only approved adult club reps can publish social content.
- No child’s personal details (e.g. contact info, school, hobbies) will be posted.
- We never share U11 match scores, in line with FA rules.
- Images are only used with written parental consent.
- Social pages are monitored by the Club Welfare Officer.
- Comments and messaging features are restricted where possible.
Parents/guardians must give written permission for children under 18 to access or be featured on our social media.
Any abusive, discriminatory or harmful content will be removed and reported immediately.
Our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
At Norristhorpe Junior FC, we align our safeguarding practices with those endorsed by key football authorities, including The FA, Premier League, Football League, and the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit. Our safeguarding policies provide essential guidance on safeguarding practices, including the recruitment of volunteers, handling poor practices, managing bullying, and addressing abuse. Every affiliated club and league with youth teams is required to have a Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures in place.
Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
To maintain a safe environment, it is crucial that everyone involved with Norristhorpe Junior FC is aware of our safeguarding policy and understands the procedures for reporting concerns about a child’s welfare. Your designated safeguarding officer is available to offer advice and support on these matters.
If you wish to increase your understanding of safeguarding in football, consider completing The FA’s Safeguarding Children Workshop.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Bullying is a serious issue that can have a lasting impact on children. The FA defines bullying as one of the five categories of abuse. To address this, we have adopted The FA’s recommended Anti-Bullying Policy, which outlines what is and is not acceptable within our club. Having a clear process helps us manage issues effectively and prevents bullying.
Whistle-Blowing Policy
Whistle-blowing is an essential tool for safeguarding and can be used when misconduct or malpractice is suspected within the club. It’s a way to raise concerns that might not have been appropriately addressed through regular channels.
Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can use whistle-blowing by contacting The FA’s safeguarding team at 0800 169 1863 or via email at safeguarding@TheFA.com. Alternatively, concerns can be reported directly to the police, Children’s Social Care, the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), or the NSPCC.
Contact the NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
Contact the CPSU: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
