At Wolviston FC, the safety and wellbeing of every player is our top priority. Our Club Welfare Officer (CWO) plays a vital role in making sure football is a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

What is a Club Welfare Officer?

The Club Welfare Officer is the lead safeguarding contact within the club. They are responsible for promoting good practice, ensuring safeguarding policies are followed, and acting as the first point of contact for any welfare concerns.

All grassroots clubs affiliated to The Football Association are required to have a trained CWO as part of their commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Key Responsibilities
Safeguarding & Welfare

• Ensure the club meets all FA safeguarding requirements
• Promote a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all players
• Make sure safeguarding policies are up to date and understood

Point of Contact

• Act as the first point of contact for any welfare or safeguarding concerns
• Support players, parents, and coaches with any issues or worries
• Escalate concerns to the appropriate authorities where required

Compliance & Best Practice

• Ensure all coaches and volunteers have the correct DBS checks and qualifications
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records
• Support the club in following FA guidelines and league rules

Education & Awareness

• Help raise awareness of safeguarding across the club
• Encourage a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up
• Provide guidance on good practice for coaches and volunteers

What the CWO Does Not Do

The CWO is there to support and guide, not to replace professional services. They:

• Do not investigate serious safeguarding concerns themselves
• Do not act as a disciplinarian
• Do not replace emergency or statutory services

Instead, they ensure concerns are handled correctly and passed to the right people.

When to Contact the CWO

You should contact the Club Welfare Officer if:

• You have concerns about a child or adult’s welfare
• You witness or experience inappropriate behaviour
• You need advice on safeguarding or best practice

No concern is too small – it’s always better to raise it.

Our Commitment

Wolviston FC is committed to:

• Providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all
• Following FA safeguarding guidance and league rules
• Supporting players both on and off the pitch

Our CWO is at the heart of this commitment.

Contact Our Club Welfare Officer
Contact details for our Club Welfare Officers are provided to all players and parents of U18s. Their contact details can also be found on https://www.wolvistonfc.com/contact