1. Policy Statement
First Kick Football is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for children, young people, staff, volunteers, and all users of our services. We will not tolerate sexual harassment or misconduct in any form. Allegations will always be taken seriously and addressed in line with statutory requirements and football authority regulations.
This policy is informed by the Sexual Offences Act 2003, Equality Act 2010, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025), and FA/County FA safeguarding regulations.
2. Definition
- Verbal: repeated propositioning, sexual comments, unwanted questions.
- Non-verbal: stalking, displaying sexual material, sharing private images.
- Physical: unwanted contact, indecent exposure, attempts at or acts of sexual activity without consent.
3. Consent and Capacity
- Consent must be freely given, informed, and present every time.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
- A person cannot consent if they are intoxicated, asleep, unconscious, or otherwise lack capacity.
4. Reporting and Disclosure
Anyone can report concerns of sexual harassment or misconduct by:
– Speaking to the Welfare Officer or trusted staff member.
– Making a formal report to the Club.
– Contacting the Police where a criminal offence may have occurred.
– Reporting directly to the County FA DSO or The FA Safeguarding Case Management Team.
All reports will be handled sensitively, confidentially, and in line with safeguarding procedures. Where criminal behaviour is suspected, the police will be informed.
5. Safeguards and Action
- Setting boundaries or restrictions.
- Adjusting supervision.
- Suspension or exclusion if necessary.
- Internal investigations will not override police processes but may run alongside or afterwards to assess breaches of policy or conduct.
6. Responsibilities
- Operations Director – ensures compliance with legislation and football authority safeguarding standards.
- HR & Coaching Performance Manager / Welfare Officer (Danny Nolan) – first point of contact for disclosures, responsible for reporting to statutory and football authorities, and ensuring staff training on safeguarding and conduct.
- Holiday Club Manager (Lee Galloway) – ensures implementation of safe practice at holiday clubs.
- All Staff and Volunteers – must follow safeguarding procedures and challenge/report misconduct.
7. Malicious Reporting
All reports are treated as genuine unless clear evidence shows otherwise. False or malicious allegations may result in disciplinary action.
8. Support
- Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247)
- Women’s Aid / Refuge
- Men’s Advice Line
- Galop (LGBT+ support)
- SignHealth (support for Deaf people)
9. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required by law, FA guidance, or inspection outcomes.