Footy Friends United Ltd is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment for all children who attend our football activities, including Footy Friends Academy (ages 5–12), Footy Friends Mini Kickers (18 months–4 years), summer camps, and football-themed birthday parties.

We place the welfare of every child at the centre of our practice. All staff and coaches must adhere to this policy to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all participants.

• All coaches hold Enhanced DBS checks.

• All coaches are First Aid trained.

• Appropriate coach-to-child ratios are maintained across all sessions.

• Coaches follow safe practice guidance and act as positive role models.

Footy Friends United Ltd holds full Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance suitable for children’s sports coaching. This cover applies to all activities including Academy sessions, Mini Kickers, summer camps, and birthday parties. Insurance documentation is available to venues and parents upon request.

• All sessions are planned with age-appropriate, inclusive activities.

• Equipment and playing surfaces (Astro or grass) are checked before every session.

• Children are supervised at all times.

• One-to-one unsupervised situations are avoided.

• Secure drop-off and collection procedures are followed.

Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). All concerns will be taken seriously, recorded appropriately, and handled in line with safeguarding best practice.

• A First Aid kit is present at every session.

• Any injuries or incidents are recorded, and parents are notified.

• Venue-specific emergency procedures are understood and followed.

• Respectful behaviour is expected from both coaches and children.

• Bullying, discrimination, or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.

All personal information relating to children and families is kept secure and confidential, in accordance with GDPR.

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident, changes in legislation, or organisational updates.