SAFEGUARDING, EQUALITY & CHILD WELFARE POLICY
Our Commitment to Safeguarding & Inclusion
At Sporting CP Academy London, we are committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all children.
We believe every child should have the opportunity to enjoy football, develop their skills, and grow in confidence in a respectful and supportive setting.
This policy applies to all players, coaches, staff, and parents/guardians involved in the academy.
Safeguarding
The welfare of children is our highest priority.
We are committed to:
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Providing a safe and welcoming environment for all players
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Promoting the physical and emotional wellbeing of every child
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Ensuring appropriate conduct from all coaches and staff
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Taking all concerns seriously and responding appropriately
Welfare Officer:
Samantha Brown
Email: welfare@sportingacademylondon.co.uk
All concerns will be treated seriously, handled appropriately, and in confidence where possible.
Equality & Inclusion
We are dedicated to ensuring that all children are treated fairly and with respect.
We:
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Provide equal opportunities for all players
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Do not tolerate discrimination of any kind
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Support children with additional needs, including medical or neurodevelopmental conditions (such as ADHD)
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Encourage an inclusive and respectful team environment
Where required, we will make reasonable adjustments to support individual needs.
Please note:
Sporting CP Academy London operates within a group training environment and is not a specialist provision. Adjustments will be made where reasonable, practical, and safe for all participants.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to inform the club of any additional needs so appropriate support can be considered.
Coaching Approach
Our sessions are designed to be:
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Engaging and enjoyable
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Supportive of different learning styles
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Focused on development as well as participation
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Our coaches aim to:
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Provide clear and positive instruction
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Support players individually where appropriate
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Recognise that children develop at different rates
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Maintain a respectful and encouraging environment
Match Participation
We aim to provide fair opportunities for players to participate in matches and football activities.
However, selection is not guaranteed and may vary based on:
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Attendance and commitment
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Effort and attitude in training
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Squad size and team balance
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Development needs of the player
All decisions are made at the discretion of the coaching staff and in the best interest of the group as a whole.
Code of Conduct
Players
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Show respect to coaches, teammates, and opponents
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Listen and follow instructions
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Maintain a positive attitude
Parents / Guardians
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Support all players and coaches respectfully
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Encourage positive behaviour
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Raise concerns in an appropriate and constructive manner
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Remain outside the field of play during sessions and matches
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Do not interfere with coaching or officiating
Coaches
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Act professionally at all times
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Treat all players fairly and with respect
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Promote a safe and inclusive environment
Behaviour & Disciplinary Process
To maintain a positive environment, the club reserves the right to take action where behaviour does not meet expected standards.
This may include:
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Verbal warning
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Written warning
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Temporary suspension from sessions
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Termination of membership
Serious or repeated breaches may result in immediate action.
Raising Concerns & Complaints
We encourage open communication and take all concerns seriously.
Concerns can be raised by:
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Speaking to a coach or club representative
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Contacting the Welfare Officer directly
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Submitting a formal complaint via email
Complaint handling process:
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We aim to acknowledge complaints promptly (typically within 48 hours)
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A review and investigation will be carried out where appropriate
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A response will normally be provided within 14 days
All complaints will be handled fairly, appropriately, and in line with safeguarding and equality principles.
Membership & Participation
The club reserves the right to suspend or terminate a player’s participation where:
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The code of conduct is breached
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Behaviour negatively impacts the safety or environment of sessions
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There is a breakdown in the relationship between the club and parent/guardian that prevents the club from maintaining a safe and positive environment
Policy Agreement
By registering with Sporting CP Academy London, all players and parents/guardians agree to abide by this policy.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and aligned with FA safeguarding and equality guidance.
Sporting CP Academy London
Safeguarding, Equality & Child Welfare Policy
Committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive football environment for every child.
