Recent media coverage has highlighted abuse that has taken place, and that is alleged to have taken place, in football clubs across the country.

We have all seen reports on the TV, newspapers and social media about allegations of historical sexual abuse surrounding a number of professional football clubs. These are deeply troubling and it is important to mention that these days sports and social clubs working with young people are far more aware of sexual abuse and have policies and procedures in place to reduce the chances of it happening and to report it if there are any suspicions. There are strong links between Council officers and Wolverhampton Wanderers and have had them way before the reports currently in the media.

Inevitably such massive media exposure means people are more likely to be alert and may have present concerns or may want to assure themselves their own sports club has up to date policies procedures and training to assure parents whose children attend. Attached to this blog are two links that answer the following questions:

1. Does my sports club have policies and procedures in place to protect children? Click here for resources which you can use to develop a policy and the procedures which mean that everyone will kbnow (a) how to prevent abuse from occuring at your club, or (b) use to measure your current procedures against.


2. What do I do if I have suspicions a child or young person is at risk?

If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm call the Police on 999

To report your concerns in Wolverhampton, click here or call 01902 555392

to share your concerns with the NSPCC call their 24 hour helpline on 0808 800 5000 or online at https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/report-abuse-online/


I hope this brief note will give you some reassurance that the partner organisations that make up Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board are aware of the risks and are helping local community and professional sports clubs to protect the young people they look after.

Alan Coe

Chair

Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board