As we approach this year’s Play Safe weekend on 28th and 29th September, the committee would like to highlight the importance of this initiative and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe environment for all our young players. The Play Safe campaign, led by the English FA, is a year-round effort to ensure that football remains safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone involved, at all levels of the game.

What is Play Safe?

Play Safe is a safeguarding initiative that calls on everyone in football, whether you’re a parent, coach, player, or spectator to understand and fulfil their role in keeping the game safe. It’s about ensuring that every child can enjoy the sport in a secure environment, free from harm, by embedding a culture of vigilance and care within every aspect of football.

Why Play Safe Matters

Safeguarding is essential to preventing negative behaviours and abuse that can diminish a child’s love for the game. The Play Safe campaign serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By actively participating in this initiative, we ensure that AFC Corsham remains a place where our young players can thrive.

Our Commitment as a Club

As a committee, we are fully aligned with the Play Safe principles, which are deeply embedded in our club’s vision. Consistency across AFC Corsham is key, and we are dedicated to making sure every member of our community understands their role in safeguarding. From our coaches to committee members and players, we are all responsible for upholding these values.

We are calling on all members to participate in the Play Safe weekend on 28th and 29th September. This is an opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts in safeguarding and to reinforce our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for our players.

Expectations for Every Member of the AFC Corsham Community

Players:
Safety First: Always feel safe on and off the pitch. If something feels wrong, know how to report it.
Open Communication: Keep talking to your parent/carer and coaches about any concerns.
Positive Attitude: Support your teammates and contribute to a positive playing environment.

Parents/Carers:
Active Involvement: Complete the free online ‘Safeguarding Awareness for Parents/Carers’ course. Know your child’s coach/manager and club welfare officer.
Stay Informed: Understand the club’s Codes of Conduct and know what unacceptable behaviour looks like.
Ongoing Support: Keep checking in with your child to ensure they are enjoying a safe football experience.

Spectators:
Positive Support: Keep the sidelines positive. Clap for everyone, and avoid shouting anything negative or abusive.
Report Concerns: If you notice something that feels unsafe, report it to the club welfare officer or a staff member.

Coaches/Managers:
Responsible Behaviour: Regularly check your own behaviour and others'. Shouting at children is not acceptable.
Safeguard Compliance: Ensure you are working with another DBS-checked coach and communicating with parents/carers appropriately.
Inclusive Coaching: Understand and cater to the individual needs of each child, working closely with their parents/carers.

Committee Members:
Leadership in Safeguarding: Ensure that safeguarding processes are consistently applied across all club activities.
Support for Coaches: Verify that coaches are following safe practices and role-modelling the club’s code of conduct.
Safe Communications: Oversee that all club communications, especially on digital and social media platforms, adhere to safeguarding guidelines.

Moving Forward Together

The time, effort, and care you put into safeguarding throughout the season are critical in making football a safe space for everyone. The committee is committed to leading by example, but we need the support of every member to make this possible. Together, we can make AFC Corsham a place where football is safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.

We will be in touch with more details as we approach the Play Safe weekend. In the meantime, please make sure you are ready to play your part in this important initiative.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and support.

EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERY TIME.

Best regards,

The AFC Corsham Committee