GREIG SHEPHERD, AYLSHAM FC, “CLUB WELFARE OFFICER” (CWO). (VOLUNTEER ROLE).
I have been involved with Aylsham Football Club (formerly Aylsham Wanderers YFC) for approximately 10 years, initially involved in coaching my son Cameron’s boys’ team. I am currently a serving police officer with Norfolk Police and was a Professional Footballer during the 80s.
For the last 7 years I have been the clubs (CWO) and within my role I have to ensure that all Volunteers, Managers, Coaches are first checked through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and if any issues which are raised through this process, are dealt with in conjunction with the Football Association and Norfolk FA’s Child Protection Officer, Raffi Coverdale.
All (CWO’s) have to attend a Welfare Officer Workshop which is certified for 3 years by the Football Association and this workshop relates solely to “Safeguarding Children and Young People in Football.” This covers the child Protection Policy, Procedures and Implementation Guidance for Grassroots Football.
(AYLSHAM FOOTBALL CLUB)
Football Club Child Protection Policy
Aylsham Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to
safeguard the welfare of every child and young person
who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to
working to provide a safe environment for all members.
A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18
engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to
The Football Association’s child protection and best
practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt
the policy statement contained in that document.
The key principles of The FA child protection policy
are that:
• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the
paramount consideration
• All children and young people have a right to be
protected from abuse regardless of their age,
gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin,
religious beliefs or sexual orientation
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken
seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Working in partnership with other organisations,
children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.
It would be fair to say that throughout the years as a CWO, I have had to deal with various incidents whether on a local issue, with the County FA or the Football Association and I can say that I have applied Discretion, Confidentiality and Reassurance to those incidents and the persons involved. With that in mind I would want to invite any parents, volunteers, coaches or managers to be able to contact me at anytime to discuss any issues or concerns in confidence.
For any issues or concerns relating to the girls section, if you feel that you would like to speak to a female member of the Aylsham committee, please contact Angela Rushbridge.
Home: 01263 735722
Mobile: 07535266767
E-Mail: greig76@uwclub.net |
