Welfare is the next stage following on from Child Protection and covers areas such as anti-bullying. The Football Association are currently planning to role out training for both Club and League Welfare Officers with it becoming necessary for all clubs/leagues with youth teams to have a Welfare Officer in place Club Welfare Officer.
Why are CWOs necessary?
The role is essential, so that we can support clubs to deal with some of the poor practice issues that arise in football clubs. By having appropriate policies, codes of conduct and sanctions etc, clubs can be proactive in raising standards of behaviour in youth football, as well as passing on important information about more serious concerns, to the CFA CPO and The FA.
What do Club Welfare Officers do?
Club Welfare Officers (CWOs) promote best practice with throughout the club. They play a key role in dealing with poor practice concerns in line with the clubs own disciplinary process. More serious concerns are referred by the CWO to the County Child Protection Officer. Club Welfare Officers are also key in the roll-out of CRB checks .These checks ensure that we prevent people known to be a risk to children from getting involved in Under 18s football.
Is there any help or support for CWOs?
Yes. The FA is developing training for CWOs. For more information contact your County FA. County Child Protection Officers can help and there are more details on The FA.com. Details of the web site and other sources of advice are at the end of this section.
Youth League Welfare Officer
What is the role?
Youth League Welfare Officers (YLWOs) promote best practice throughout the league and play a key role in developing codes of conduct, which promote the playing of football in a fun and safe environment. YLWOs are key in promoting clubs to get involved with The FAs child protection awareness workshops and CRB checking process.
More information on the role of Club and Youth League Welfare Officers can be found via www.TheFA.com/Goal go to the downloads section and access the Policy and Procedures, section 4 (Pages 17-19). For more information on CRB contact crb@TheFA.com or Tel: 0800 085 0506. If you have an urgent concern about a child or young person in football contact the Police or Children’s Services