Safeguarding & Welfare
Putting Children First. Creating a Safe, Positive and Respectful Football Environment.
At Sutton Little League, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child involved in our football community is, and always will be, our number one priority.
As an FA Affiliated League, we are committed to promoting and upholding the safeguarding standards, principles and expectations established by The Football Association (FA) and England Football.
With over 360 children participating in football at Sutton Little League, supported by more than 50 dedicated volunteers, we recognise the enormous responsibility we have to ensure that every young person can enjoy football in an environment where they feel safe, supported, respected and valued.
Safeguarding is not simply a policy or a requirement. It is a shared responsibility that involves everyone connected with our League.
Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The FA’s approach to safeguarding places the welfare of children at the heart of grassroots football.
Every child has the right to participate in football free from abuse, bullying, discrimination, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour.
At Sutton Little League, we are committed to creating an environment where:
Children come first: Every decision should consider the safety, welfare and best interests of our young players.
Football remains enjoyable: Players should be encouraged to develop their confidence, skills and friendships without unnecessary pressure.
Respect is non-negotiable: Everyone should be treated with dignity, regardless of their age, ability, background or role.
Concerns are taken seriously: Any safeguarding or welfare concerns should be raised promptly and handled appropriately.
Positive behaviour is encouraged: Parents, spectators, coaches, managers and match officials should lead by example.
We expect everyone attending Sutton Little League to contribute towards these principles, both on and off the pitch.
Supporting and Respecting Our Young Volunteers
One of the things that makes Sutton Little League special is the number of young people who give their time to support others.
Whether they are young referees learning to officiate, aspiring coaches developing their skills or young managers taking their first steps into leadership, these individuals are an incredibly important part of our football community.
They are learning, developing and volunteering their time – just like the children playing football.
We ask all parents, spectators, managers and players to remember that our young volunteers deserve the same encouragement, patience and protection that we expect for our young footballers.
Mistakes will happen. Decisions may not always be popular. However, shouting at, intimidating, publicly criticising or verbally abusing a young referee, coach or manager is never acceptable.
Our message is simple:
Encourage them. Support them. Respect them.
The way adults behave around young volunteers can have a lasting impact on their confidence, enjoyment and willingness to remain involved in football.
We want Sutton Little League to be a place where young people feel confident to take on responsibility, develop new skills and become the next generation of football leaders.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding Training
Sutton Little League recognises that safeguarding starts with ensuring our volunteers have the appropriate knowledge, training and checks to carry out their responsibilities.
As part of our standard volunteer requirements, individuals undertaking applicable roles are required to complete:
1. EE Playmaker by England Football
An introductory football course that helps volunteers understand the importance of creating positive, inclusive and enjoyable football experiences.
2. FA Safeguarding Children Course
Safeguarding training that provides important guidance on recognising potential concerns, understanding responsibilities and knowing how to respond appropriately to protect children.
3. FA Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including the relevant children’s barred-list check where the role is eligible, to support safer recruitment and help assess an individual’s suitability to work with children.
These requirements form an important part of our approach to safeguarding, alongside appropriate supervision, safer recruitment practices and our League’s welfare procedures.
Safeguarding is an ongoing commitment, not simply a box-ticking exercise.
Parents and Spectators – You Can Play Your Part Too!
Safeguarding isn’t just the responsibility of those wearing a manager’s jacket or carrying a referee’s whistle.
Parents, carers, family members and spectators all play a vital role in making grassroots football a safe and enjoyable experience.
England Football provides a fantastic opportunity for adults to improve their understanding of safeguarding through its online course:
Safeguarding Awareness for Parents & Carers
FREE ONLINE COURSE – AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE
This course helps parents and carers develop their understanding of safeguarding in football, including how to recognise concerns and contribute to a safe, positive environment for children.
Cost: Completely free
Format: Online learning
When: Complete it at your own pace, at a time that suits you
Who: Designed for parents and carers, and useful for other adults supporting youth football
We strongly encourage every parent and carer involved in Sutton Little League to complete this course.
A little time spent learning about safeguarding can make a significant difference to a child’s experience of football.
Raising a Safeguarding or Welfare Concern
If you witness, experience or become aware of something that makes you concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please do not ignore it.
We encourage concerns to be reported to Sutton Little League’s Welfare Officer or an appropriate safeguarding representative as soon as possible.
All concerns will be treated seriously and handled sensitively, with information shared only where appropriate and necessary to safeguard those involved.
If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
Remember, you do not need to investigate a concern yourself or establish that something has happened before raising it. Reporting a genuine concern allows the appropriate people to assess it and take action where necessary.
Together, We Can Make Football Better 💚
At Sutton Little League, we are incredibly proud of the community we have built over more than 50 years.
Our League is about far more than winning matches, scoring goals or lifting trophies. It is about giving children the opportunity to enjoy football, make friends, develop confidence and create memories that last a lifetime.
We can only achieve this when everyone works together to create a safe, welcoming and respectful environment.
To our players: Enjoy your football, respect one another and never be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
To our parents and spectators: Encourage positively, respect decisions and remember that children’s enjoyment must always come first.
To our volunteers: Thank you for giving your time, supporting our young people and helping make Sutton Little League possible.
To our young referees, coaches and managers: We are proud of you, we value your contribution and we will continue to support your development.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Respect is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can ensure Sutton Little League remains a place where every child can thrive.
Sutton Little League
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