Safeguarding & Welfare Policy

Creating Leaders. Developing Learners. Protecting Every Player.


1. Statement of Commitment


Prolific FC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people within our academy.


Every child has the right to:

  • Feel safe
  • Be protected from harm
  • Be treated with dignity and respect
  • Train and compete in a secure, supportive environment


Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Prolific FC operates in line with The FA Safeguarding Children Policy and current UK safeguarding legislation.

2. Our Safeguarding Principles


At Prolific FC, we:

  • Prioritise the welfare of the child above all else
  • Provide a safe and positive footballing environment
  • Ensure all concerns are taken seriously and responded to appropriately
  • Recruit safely and responsibly
  • Educate staff, players, and parents on safeguarding responsibilities
  • Maintain clear reporting procedures
  • We operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, discrimination, bullying, or misconduct.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)


Prolific FC has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for:


  • Managing safeguarding concerns
  • Acting as the first point of contact
  • Liaising with The FA, local authorities, and statutory services
  • Maintaining safeguarding records
  • Ensuring compliance with FA guidelines


DSL Name: Charlie Toomey

Contact Email: charlestoomey1981@gmail.com

Contact Number: 07534 283954


In the absence of the DSL, concerns should be reported to the Club Chairman or relevant FA Welfare Officer. If a child is in immediate danger, contact 999.

4. Safer Recruitment


Prolific FC ensures that:


  • All coaches are DBS checked
  • All coaches hold appropriate FA qualifications
  • All staff complete FA Safeguarding Children training
  • References are obtained where required
  • Recruitment follows FA safer recruitment guidelines
  • No coach or volunteer works unsupervised without appropriate checks.

5. Code of Conduct


All players, parents, and staff are required to adhere to:


  • Player Code
  • Parent Code
  • Coach Code of Conduct
  • Failure to meet behavioural standards may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from the club.

6. Anti-Bullying Policy


Prolific FC operates a zero-tolerance approach to:


  • Physical bullying
  • Verbal abuse
  • Online or social media harassment
  • Discrimination of any kind
  • All concerns will be investigated promptly and fairly.

7. Online & Digital Safety


Where video analysis and 360 Player systems are used:


  • Player data is stored securely
  • Access is restricted to authorised individuals
  • Images and footage are used only for coaching and development purposes
  • Written parental consent is obtained for photography and media use
  • We comply with UK GDPR standards.

8. Medical & Welfare Considerations

  • Medical information is collected at registration
  • Emergency contacts must be up to date
  • Injuries are recorded appropriately
  • Return-to-play decisions prioritise health over competition
  • Players showing signs of distress, fatigue, or wellbeing concerns will be supported appropriately.

9. Reporting a Concern


If you have a safeguarding concern:

  • Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Provide factual information (do not investigate yourself)
  • The DSL will assess and escalate appropriately
  • If a concern involves a member of staff, this must still be reported immediately.
  • Confidentiality will be respected, but safeguarding concerns cannot be kept secret.

10. Equality & Inclusion


Prolific FC is committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of:


  • Race
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Background


We are committed to expanding into the women’s game with the samesafeguarding and welfare standards.

11. Review of Policy


This Safeguarding & Welfare Policy will be reviewed annually or in line with FA updates.

At Prolific FC, performance matters but protection comes first.

We create elite environments without compromising child welfare.

Every player deserves to feel safe while they develop.