The child comes first
The welfare of every child and young person must remain the paramount consideration in all football activities.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding children and young people is part of every session we deliver.
FC New England Cubs is committed to creating a football environment where children and young people feel safe, respected, supported, and able to enjoy the game with confidence.
Our commitment
Child welfare is central to how we coach, communicate, and organise the club.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard every child and young person who takes part in football with FC New England Cubs. That responsibility applies across training, camps, clubs, events, and any activity delivered in the club name.
We want every player to take part in football in a setting that is enjoyable, inclusive, and safe. Safeguarding is not the job of one person alone; it is the responsibility of every adult involved with the club.
Our approach is informed by FA safeguarding expectations and by the wider principle that children must be protected from harm, poor practice, bullying, neglect, and any form of abuse.
Key principles
What guides our safeguarding approach.
These principles shape how we make decisions, respond to concerns, and build trust with children and families.
Protection for every child
All children have the right to enjoy football in a safe environment, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, faith, background, or identity.
Concerns are taken seriously
Any concern, disclosure, or allegation will be listened to, recorded carefully, and responded to appropriately without delay.
Adults set the standard
Coaches, volunteers, staff, and helpers are expected to model safe, respectful, and accountable behaviour at all times.
Safer recruitment
We expect adults involved with the club to meet appropriate safeguarding standards.
When recruiting or appointing adults into roles that involve children, the club aims to follow responsible recruitment practices that reduce risk and support safe participation.
- Clearly define the role and responsibilities before appointing someone.
- Request identification and relevant background information where appropriate.
- Meet applicants and assess suitability before confirming a role.
- Seek references when appointing people into positions of trust.
- Require safeguarding-related checks or certifications where the role and current football guidance make them necessary.
- Act on any concern about the suitability of an adult already involved with the club.
Reporting concerns
If something feels wrong, it should be reported.
We encourage parents, carers, players, coaches, and volunteers to speak up if they are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person connected to the club.
Concerns may relate to conduct, poor practice, bullying, emotional harm, physical harm, neglect, online behaviour, or anything else that suggests a child may not be safe.
If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent help, contact the emergency services straight away.
- Share the concern as soon as possible rather than waiting for more certainty.
- Record what was seen, heard, or disclosed as accurately as possible.
- Do not promise confidentiality if a child may be at risk.
- Pass the concern to the club promptly so the right next steps can be taken.
Safeguarding contact
Until a dedicated welfare officer contact is published, safeguarding concerns can be raised using the club’s main contact details below.
Phone: 07389 086445
Email: info@fcnewenglandcubs.co.uk
Address: Spencer Park, London SW18 2SX, United Kingdom