English football unites this weekend to promote Play Safe – the national campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding across our game.
Hereford FC is right behind Play Safe, which is endorsed by the NSPCC and supported across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, men’s and women’s National Leagues and across the grassroots game.
Here at Hereford FC, we think every child or young person who plays or participates in activities connected to the club should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment. We recognise that it is the responsibility of every adult involved, whether in a paid role or volunteer capacity to make sure this happens.
Ruth Walkden, Hereford FC Safeguarding Officer “If you see or hear something which isn’t right, please report it to us as soon as you can. You won’t be asked to investigate, just provide us with as much info as possible and we will look into it. I can be contacted at [email protected] or ring me on 07711 594932 and leave a message.”
More information can be found in the Safeguarding page on our website, here.
As Sue Ravenlaw, The FA Head of Safeguarding says: “The central push behind this year’s Play Safe weekend is to create awareness among individuals of the vital safeguarding role they can play in football. It really is about Everyone Everywhere, Every Time.
Play Safe weekend is a fantastic way of raising the awareness of safeguarding and putting this at the forefront of people’s minds, not just for this weekend, but throughout the season. This year, we’re asking everyone to know their role in safeguarding and we look forward to seeing clubs at every level of the game showing their support across the weekend, to make sure football is safe, fun, and enjoyable for all.”
Crucially, Play Safe also has the full support of The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group: “It’s essential that everyone in football – no matter if they’re actively involved, or on the sidelines – understands that they have an ongoing safeguarding role to play. Obviously Play Safe is 24/7 and 365, as is reflected in the Play Safe messaging of ‘Everyone, Everywhere and Every time’, but this weekend helps with raising awareness of how everyone can help to create safe and positive football spaces, what inappropriate behaviours look, sound, and feel like and importantly how to report concerns.”
