The Changing Room
Youth football safeguarding: what parents should know
Safeguarding is not an extra detail in youth football. It is part of choosing where a child trains, plays and communicates.
Ballrz can support safer discovery, but parents should still check clubs, coaches, venues and welfare arrangements before attending.
For Parents, coaches and clubs
Ask who handles welfare
A grassroots club should be able to tell parents who the welfare or safeguarding contact is and how concerns can be raised.
Keep contact parent-led
For children, parent or guardian involvement should remain part of contact with clubs, coaches and organisers. Avoid public posts that include child contact details.
Know what Ballrz does and does not do
Ballrz helps with discovery and clearer contact. It does not replace official FA or County FA safeguarding procedures, DBS checks, club welfare officers, police, children’s services, NSPCC, CEOP, club checks or parental judgement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a youth football club is safe?
Ask who runs the session, who the welfare contact is, how communication works, whether parents can attend and what safeguarding arrangements are in place.
What is a club welfare officer?
A club welfare officer is usually the person responsible for helping the club follow safeguarding responsibilities and respond to concerns.
Does Ballrz verify every club?
Ballrz supports safer discovery, but parents should still check clubs and safeguarding arrangements directly before a child attends.