The welfare, safety, and well-being of every child and young person involved with Silver Studs Football Club is our first and absolute priority. We are committed to providing a secure, positive, and enjoyable football environment where young people can develop free from harm, abuse, or neglect.

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of bullying, discrimination, or harmful behaviour. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, parents, guardians, and players, and underpins every activity we undertake.

1. The Child’s Welfare is Paramount: The interests and rights of the child are at the centre of all our decisions and actions.
2. Clear Roles & Responsibilities: Everyone at the club understands their role in safeguarding. All coaches and volunteers in regulated activity undergo mandatory vetting and safeguarding training.
3. Robust Procedures: We have clear, accessible procedures for responding to and reporting concerns about a child’s welfare, both within the club and to statutory authorities.
4. Culture of Vigilance: We promote an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and confident to voice any concerns. We listen to children and take their views seriously.
5. Equality & Inclusion: We are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and actively work to include and protect all children, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

Our club has a designated Club Welfare Officer (CWO), who is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.

• Role: To ensure this policy is implemented, to manage reported concerns, and to act as a source of advice and support for children, parents, and staff.
• Contact: All concerns can be raised in confidence with our CWO via cwo@silverstuds.co.zw or +263 77 684 6404

• Code of Conduct: All adults and players are required to adhere to our published Codes of Conduct, which promote positive behaviour and respect.
• Safe Recruitment: All staff and volunteers are interviewed, references are checked, and they undergo an enhanced criminal records check relevant to their role.
  
• Transport: We recommend parents/carers make their own transport arrangements. Where club transport is used for events, it will be pre-planned, insured, and driven by vetted individuals.
  
• Photography & Filming: We have a clear policy on the use of images. Consent is sought upon registration, and any individual can withdraw consent at any time. We never allow unsupervised photography or filming.
  
• Physical Contact: Any necessary physical contact by coaches (e.g., to demonstrate a technique or for first aid) will be conducted appropriately, with the child’s understanding and consent, and in an open environment.
  
• Changing Rooms: We ensure safe and supervised use of changing facilities. Where possible, we encourage players to arrive changed.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, or the behaviour of an adult towards a child:

1. Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police first on 995.
   
2. Club Concern: Report your concern immediately to our Club Welfare Officer (contact details above). All concerns will be treated in the strictest confidence.
   
3. External Reporting: If you cannot contact our CWO, or are concerned about the club’s response, you should contact your local social services department, the police, or the relevant football authority’s safeguarding team.

You do not need to be certain of your concerns; you just need to have a reasonable belief that a child may be at risk. It is not your responsibility to investigate.