How to Choose a Safe Football Club for Your Child

You are about to hand your child to a coach you have only just met, in a place they do not know yet. Wanting to know who that person is, and what happens if something goes wrong, is not fussy. It is the first job of a parent.

A good club answers these questions quickly and without being offended. A club that gets vague or defensive has told you something too. Here are eight questions to ask, what a good answer sounds like, and how we answer them at Konevych FDC.

1. Do all the coaches hold an Enhanced DBS check?

A good answer: yes, every coach, with no exceptions for volunteers or assistants.

Our answer: all of our coaches hold a valid Enhanced DBS check.

2. Who is the safeguarding lead, and how do I reach them?

A good answer: a named person whose job is to handle concerns, with a way to contact them that does not go through the coach your concern is about.

Our answer: the club has a Designated Safeguarding Lead. They handle every safeguarding concern, liaise with statutory agencies and make sure staff training is up to date. You can reach them at info@konevych-fdc.co.uk. If a child is at immediate risk, call 999.

3. Is there a written safeguarding policy I can read?

A good answer: yes, and you can read it before you sign up.

Our answer: our club policy sets out safeguarding, the code of conduct, health and safety, data protection and what we ask of parents. It is on the website, and you do not need to ask for it.

4. What are the coaches' qualifications?

A good answer: specific licences, not "lots of experience". Experience matters, but a qualification shows someone has been trained and assessed.

Our answer: our coaches are UEFA-licensed.

5. What happens if my child is hurt?

A good answer: first aid on site, and a way to reach you quickly.

Our answer: a first aid kit is available at every session, and we ask for emergency contact details for every child.

6. How does the club deal with bullying and bad behaviour?

A good answer: a written code of conduct that covers players, coaches and parents, with consequences.

Our answer: bullying, aggression and abusive language are strictly prohibited. The code applies to everyone. Coaches treat all children equally, and parents agree to support their child positively and respect the coach's decisions.

7. Is the club insured?

A good answer: yes, and they can tell you what it covers.

Our answer: appropriate insurance is in place. Our club policy sets out where the club accepts responsibility.

8. Will my child be treated fairly, whatever their ability?

A good answer: yes, and the club can say how.

Our answer: we give equal opportunities to every child, regardless of gender, nationality, religion or ability. Children train in age groups, so each one works with players their own age.

Warning signs

Be cautious if you see any of these:

• the club cannot say who the safeguarding lead is
• there is no written policy, or it is "being updated"
• a coach wants to message your child privately instead of going through you
• nobody asks for your emergency contact details
• the answers change depending on who you ask

Trust your own sense of the place too. If something feels off at the first session, you can leave.

Try it for yourself

Asking questions is good. Seeing the session is better. Your child's first session with us is free, and you can ask the coach any of the questions above on the day. Book a free trial session, or read what to expect at a trial first.

Common questions

Do I have to give emergency contact details?

Yes. We need them for every child, so we can reach you if something happens.

Who do I tell if I am worried about a child?

Tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead at info@konevych-fdc.co.uk. If a child is at immediate risk, call 999 or contact local children's services straight away.

Where can I read your policies?

On our club policy page.