Education and training in the basics of safeguarding is necessary for all volunteers engaging in regulated activity (e.g. coaching) with children and young people in affiliated youth football.
All club volunteers must complete the 3 hour face-to-face Irish FA Safeguarding Children and Young People in Football training with an approved Irish FA Tutor. The course must be completed within 3-6 months of taking up the volunteer role and training must be refreshed every 3 years.
In line with the Irish FA Safe Sport Literacy initiative, the safeguarding training develops understanding of:
- key Safe Sport terminology
- the importance of developing a strong sense of ‘Safe Sport Literacy’ at all levels of the game
- the risks to all stakeholders when Safe Sport guidance is not followed
- working in partnership to create Safer Spaces
- factors influencing the safety and wellbeing of young people in sport
- managing risk by adhering to Safe Sport guidance
- factors affecting Safe Sport environments
- safer responding and recording
Irish FA Safeguarding Course
Click to RegisterClubs/Leagues can arrange courses directly through one of the following facilitators:
- Kevin Doherty - kevin.doherty@irishfa.com – North West
- Gary Boyd - fastekfootball@hotmail.com – Antrim, Belfast
- Pat Power - pat.power@nmandd.org – Newry, Mourne & Down
- Ray Sanderson - ray.sanderson2@btinternet.com Fermanagh, Strabane & Derry
- Pat Neeson – patmneeson@gmail.com Greater Belfast, North Down
- Chris McDowell – chris_mcdowell10@hotmail.com Fermanagh, Enniskillen
- Sonya McMullan - sonyamcmullan@gmail.com Greater Belfast
* Facilitators are prepared to travel within reason
Alternatively, clubs or individual coaches can register their interest in attending a course by contacting gary.wilkinson@irishfa.com.
The maximum number of participants per course is 25. Participants must be aged 18 or over, or must obtain parental consent to take part if aged 16-17. (Consent form available to download below)