From the Boardroom: Lisa Hard, Welfare Officer, shares an update on the club’s welfare and safeguarding processes.
I took over the role of Welfare Officer – Youth for at Cranleigh Football Club in October this year, after completing the training required by the FA. My family and I have been part of the Club for the past ten years. My son has played football here since he was five, and my husband is one of the team coaches. Our goal is to support and develop footballers of all abilities, providing them with fun, fitness, team spirit, and a sense of belonging and pride in wearing the badge. The Club’s philosophy is “football for all,” and we are proud to be an inclusive club.
Cranleigh FC is bigger than it has ever been. It’s fantastic to see the sea of blue and white on Snoxhall, Glebelands, and around the village at weekends. However, with some 45 teams and 500 players, maintaining strong systems is essential. For the first time, we’ve established a Welfare sub-committee to be more visible and accessible to all our members.
Anita, Jude, Emily, and Sam bring extensive experience in legal, compliance, risk management, and youth safeguarding. You’ll see them wearing yellow lanyards at matches and events, or you can contact the Safeguarding Team via the link on the Club’s website or the email address below. The sub-committee meets monthly and collaborates with the Club’s committees, coaches, and team assistants to implement our Safeguarding Policy and ensure the welfare of our youth members.
Our responsibilities include:
- Ensuring all FA qualifications are up to date.
- Reviewing complaints and disciplinary matters to promote welfare improvements.
- Raising awareness of safeguarding and welfare across the Club through communication efforts.
As an accredited grassroots football club, we adhere to strict FA requirements. All committee members, coaches, and parent helpers must complete an Enhanced DBS check against the children’s barred list and undergo the FA’s Safeguarding for Children training. Coaches are also required to complete the Introduction to First Aid in Football course. Letting these qualifications lapse can lead to individual or team suspension, making this a crucial aspect of Club management.
How can you help?
We ask all members, be they players or parents, to:
1. Report concerns
If you have any safeguarding or welfare concerns regarding players or youth referees during matches or training, please inform your coach and the Safeguarding Team. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Contact us: safeguardingofficer@cranleighfc.co.uk
2. Follow the Code of Conduct
Cranleigh Football Club has adopted the FA’s Code of Conduct, and we expect everyone to uphold these standards. Always observe the Respect rules of football and keep bad language or aggressive behaviour away from children. You can find everything you need here on our Policies Page.
3. Communicate with your coach
Keep coaches informed about attendance. Let them know if your child cannot attend a match or training session. If someone else is collecting your child, notify the coach in advance.
4. Provide proper kit
Ensure your child wears the correct kit for their safety. Shin pads and football boots are mandatory; children will not be allowed to play without them.
5. Consider safeguarding training
If you have time, we encourage you to complete the free safeguarding course offered by the FA for parents. It takes no more than an hour and is a great way to support the Club’s efforts. Click here to visit the FA’s safeguarding training.
Thank you for being part of Cranleigh Football Club. Together, we can ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for our young players.
Lisa Hard
Welfare Officer – Youth
Cranleigh Football Club
