Youth League Welfare Officer

The Football Association and the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA hold a clear standpoint that the welfare of children and young people in football is paramount. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. In dealing with any suspicions or allegations of abuse these will be taken seriously and responded to accordingly. The appointment of Youth League Welfare Officers (YLWO) will encourage the sharing and development of best practices across the grassroots game. As such The FA sees youth leagues as key to helping to ensure the safeguarding of young people in football. The FA recognises that there are many proactive leagues that are already doing a great deal to address inappropriate sideline behaviour and to get clubs to play their part in being more aware of child protection concerns. The appointment of the YLWO aims to give this stance a higher profile and consistency across grassroots football.

It is essential that the YLWO is perceived as being approachable, having a child centered approach and the ability to maintain this perspective when carrying out their role.

The role of the Youth/Mini Soccer/Girls League Welfare Officer is to:

• Know who the County Welfare Officer is and how to contact them
• Know who the Club Welfare Officers are and how to contact them
• Refer any club child protection or poor practice concerns to the County Welfare Officer
• Encourage all league clubs to implement The FA Safeguarding Children Policy
• Encourage all league clubs to implement the Safeguarding Children in Football – Guidelines
• Promote, support and encourage the benefits of the safeguarding education and awareness programme
• Have an understanding of The FA CRB Unit and it’s role within safeguarding children and young people
• Advocate the CRB Disclosure must be used as part of both the league and clubs safeguarding initiatives and encourage all clubs to make appropriate use of the FA’s CRB Unit

. In order to become fully qualified in the role of Youth League Welfare Officer there are three key steps:

1. Have an accepted Enhanced CRB Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit –If you are still to complete one please do so either through contacting the County FA or via The FA CRB Unit (www.TheFA.com/CRB)

2. Complete The FA’s Safeguarding Children Workshop – This is a three hour workshop exploring some of the key issues relating to poor practice and safeguarding children. Including the exploration of what is meant by poor and best practice, and how to recognise concerns about the welfare of children and young people and what to do if you have concerns. This workshop also examines the emotive nature this subject has and how such feelings can be managed in an effective manner to ensure that clear and rational decisions are made, and not ones based on emotions at the time. *This workshop can be taken as a stand alone course or as part of the Level 1 & 2 Coaching Courses
Upcoming Courses: Thursday 21st August 2008, Thursday 16th October 2008, Thursday 12th February 2009, Thursday 4th June 2009, Thursday 13th August 2009. Please see the Coach Education section of www.leicestershirefa.com for further details

3. Complete The FA’s Welfare Officer Workshop – This is to be completed after a Safeguarding Children Workshop and is designed to give a more detailed insight into the role of a Welfare Officer, providing essential knowledge and skills, helping to develop the confidence required to deal with child protection issues at local level such as bullying and poor practice. This workshop also examines the relationship with the County Football Association and local statutory agencies such as the Police and Children’s Social Care Services.
Upcoming Courses: Tuesday 9th September 2008, Tuesday 10th February 2009. Please see the Coach Education section of www.leicestershirefa.com for further details

The County Welfare Officer will endeavour to maintain regular contact with the Youth League Welfare Officers across the county in order to continue to support them in what is an important and challenging role. Further information and support can be found at www.thefa.com/goal. Any other questions or queries relating to the role of Youth League Welfare Officer can be directed to the County Welfare Officer, Tim Siggs either by email at tim.siggs@leicestershirefa.com or by contacting 0116 284 5936.