Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. The Oxfordshire Youth Football League is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every child and young person involved in football.
If you have a concern about the welfare or safety of a child, it’s important that you report it through the appropriate safeguarding route.
Right People
Ensuring those working with young players have the appropriate checks, qualifications and safeguarding awareness.
Right Behaviour
Creating a positive football environment where expected standards of behaviour are understood and followed.
Right Actions
Knowing how to recognise, report and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
I have a safeguarding concern — what should I do?
Club Welfare Officer → OYFL Youth League Welfare Officer (YLWO) → relevant County FA safeguarding team
- 1
Club Welfare Officer
If the concern relates to a club, speak to the club's Welfare Officer in the first instance where appropriate.
- 2
OYFL Youth League Welfare Officer (YLWO)
If the concern cannot be resolved at club level, or needs League involvement, contact the OYFL Youth League Welfare Officer (YLWO).
- 3
County FA
Where appropriate, the issue may need to be escalated to the relevant County FA safeguarding team.
- 4
The FA / Appropriate Agency
Serious safeguarding concerns may require referral to The FA or the appropriate statutory agency.
Youth League Welfare Officer (YLWO)
OYFL appoints a Youth League Welfare Officer (YLWO) as the League's designated welfare lead for youth football. The YLWO supports Club Welfare Officers, provides safeguarding advice and signposting, and liaises with the relevant County FA safeguarding teams where concerns need to be escalated.
The YLWO is not responsible for personally investigating allegations of abuse.
Do not investigate suspected abuse yourself. If you have a concern, report it through the appropriate safeguarding route.
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing provides an alternative route where someone has concerns about safeguarding misconduct or malpractice and the normal reporting process has not been followed, is not appropriate, or the concern involves someone within the usual reporting route.
Safeguarding whistleblowing concerns can be raised directly with The FA Safeguarding Team or the appropriate statutory safeguarding authority.
No one should be disadvantaged for raising a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith.
FA safeguarding reporting & whistleblowing →DBS Checks
Safeguarding Support Network
First point of contact for most safeguarding concerns relating to a club, team, player or club environment.
For safeguarding concerns that require League involvement, issues that have not been resolved appropriately at club level, or advice on OYFL safeguarding procedures.
For concerns that require County FA involvement, safeguarding advice at County level, or formal escalation beyond the League.
For serious safeguarding concerns, formal case-management routes, or where direct contact with The FA Safeguarding Team is appropriate.
Further Help
NSPCC
Free, 24-hour helpline for anyone worried about a child.
0808 800 5000Visit NSPCC →
Childline
Free, private and confidential support for children and young people.
0800 1111Visit Childline →
CEOP
Report concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming to the CEOP Safety Centre, part of the National Crime Agency.
Visit the CEOP Safety Centre →