Safeguarding Declarations

As part of the 2024/2025 season affiliation process all clubs will be required to commit to a Safeguarding Declaration. Clubs will be acknowledging that they understand and accept their safeguarding responsibilities. 


 Clubs can access the Safeguarding Declarations within  Club Portal. 

Visit - Safeguarding Declaration FAQs


It’s recognised that some clubs provided activity for children under the age of 6, in previous seasons and others are keen to start. Clubs wanting to affiliate U6 activity (for 4 and 5-year-olds) for the new season will be able to do so within Club Portal under the new title of ‘Play Phase’, the previous title within Whole Game System - U6 Development will no longer be used.


Please note: The FA does not affiliate activity designed for children younger than 4-years-of-age.


Building on the safeguards already in place in youth football, it’s essential that every club is clear about the  additional safeguards needed for this young age group. Clubs must be able to put   all of these safeguards in place effectively. The ‘Play Phase’ safeguards have been incorporated within the Safeguarding Declaration – Youth Football and are shown below.


Clubs who choose to run activity for 4 and 5-year-olds will be required to: 

Ensure a specific safeguarding risk assessment is completed for ’Play Phase’ activity. 
Have a formal registration process for each session. 
Proactively communicate the availability of toilets and hand basins.
Require parents/carers to supervise their child(ren), including intimate care needs.
Have a ‘Missing child protocol’.


Guidance about the additional safeguards required when providing activity for 4 and 5-year-olds is available for clubs below and includes:

Safeguarding risk assessment template
Missing child protocol and form
Safeguarding Requirements Checklist  


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