As part of the 2023/2024 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 from 4th May 2023.
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:
[Coming soon] Guidance about the additional safeguards required when providing activity for 4 and 5-year-olds is available for clubs below and includes: