Child Safeguarding Statement

CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, (The Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice). In addition to our Risk Assessment document described below, there are further procedures that support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our activities, all of which are available to be reviewed. The mandated person for Abbeyleix AFC is Kirsten Pakes of the FAI

Abbeyleix AFC offers sporting activities and opportunities to children and young people from the age of six, through participation in the Juvenile Club’s Football teams, in training and in competitive matches with other clubs. In a typical year, Abbeyleix AFC will have over 25 volunteers and over 200 player participants. Abbeyleix AFC is committed to safeguarding children and, under the guidance of the Club’s Safeguarding Policies, our volunteer coaches and executive officers will seek to create a safe and fun environment for children and young people to grow and develop through participation in Football.

Principles to Safeguard Children from Harm

This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and the requirements of FAI Handbook, FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy, other FAI policies and procedures that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances, Abbeyleix AFC is established on a number of core principles:

(i) the needs of the Child,

(ii) integrity and respect,

(iii) equality,

(iv) fair play,

(v) welfare and safety in football.

These underlying principles underpin our rules, policies, and procedures to ensure that when children are participating in our activities, they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

In preparing this statement Abbeyleix AFC has completed a Risk Assessment of the potential risk of harm to children when they are participating in any of our games and attending our activities. The risks were reviewed under the following headings;

 Club and Coaching Practices;

 Complaints & Discipline;

 Reporting Procedures;

 Use of Facilities;

 Recruitment;

 Communications; and

 General Risk of Harm.

Review

We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Our Club is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while they are availing of our activities.

The latest Risk Assessment was undertaken on 15 th April 2022 and will be reviewed no later than 15 th April 2024. The Assessment lists the areas of Risk identified and the list of procedures and policies for managing these risks.

The Club Chairperson and Child Safeguarding Designated Liaison Person (DLP)/Relevant Person for Abbeyleix AFC is John Melvin

Signed: Date: 15/04/2022

(On behalf of the Abbeyleix AFC)

Name: John Melvin

Phone no: 087 996 9959