Norfolk County FA is dedicated to creating a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for children and young people to take part in football.
Most children and young people have a fantastic experience through football – but sadly, some don't.
This might be down to over-competitive parents and coaches shouting and constantly criticising them from the sidelines – the kind of behaviour that the Respect* programme is designed to address. Or it might be due to some other kind of abusive behaviour towards them.
Safeguarding Children is everyone's responsibility and having welfare officers in all clubs and leagues with youth teams is crucial to The FA’s simple three part approach to safeguarding. This includes:
- Getting the right people involved – carrying out references and CRB checks
- Creating a safe environment - codes of conduct, education and best practice
- Promoting clear systems - to deal with any concerns - policy and procedures.
Please find The FA's Official Holding Statement, regarding the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, attached to the right hand side of this page.
For more information on welfare issues, please refer to the related links guidance notes to the right hand side.
If you would like advice or guidance on any Safeguarding issues, or to report any concerns you might have, please contact Raffi Coverdale, County Welfare Officer, on 01603 704050 / 07899 998756 or email raffi.coverdale@NorfolkFA.com.
If your concern is about serious abuse and I am not immediately contactable, please contact your local Police Station or Children’s Services Department.