Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18 and vulnerable adult who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.

ETLFC recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. ETLFC is therefore committed to working to provide a safe environment for all young people and vulnerable adults to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

Key Principles

 The child’s or vulnerable adult’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration

 All young people and vulnerable adults 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 vulnerable adults and their parents and carers is essential.

ETLFC is committed to working in partnership with the Police, Social Services Departments, and local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB) Committees (ACPC) in accordance with their procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect all young people and vulnerable adults.