1. Policy Statement
Stafford Soccer School is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for all participants, coaches, staff, volunteers, parents/carers, and visitors involved in our football training activities. We recognise that safe practice is essential for effective coaching and the wellbeing of everyone who engages with our programmes. We will strive to comply with all applicable UK health and safety legislation and good practice guidance.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Stafford Soccer School activities, including training sessions, matches, community events, and any other activities organised or delivered by the organisation, whether held on hired or public sports facilities. It covers all coaches, staff, volunteers, participants, parents/carers, and visitors.
3. Legal Framework
This policy is based on relevant UK legislation and guidance including, but not limited to:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (general duty of care)
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
- Relevant emergency aid and first aid requirements
- Duty of care responsibilities for participants (particularly children and young people)
4. Responsibilities
4.1 Organisation
Stafford Soccer School will:
- Provide and maintain safe premises, equipment, and coaching environments.
- Carry out and document risk assessments for all training activities and venues before use.
- Ensure sufficient first aid provision is available at all sessions and events.
- Ensure coaches and volunteers receive appropriate health and safety and safeguarding training.
- Provide clear information to participants and parents/carers about health, safety procedures, and emergency arrangements.
4.2 Coaches, Staff & Volunteers
All coaches, staff and volunteers must:
- Take reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety.
- Follow health and safety procedures and guidelines as instructed.
- Actively supervise and ensure safe conduct during activities.
- Report hazards, incidents, accidents, or unsafe practices to the designated Health & Safety Officer promptly.
- Ensure all equipment is safe and appropriate for use.
4.3 Participants & Parents/Carers
Participants and parents/carers must:
- Follow coach instructions and adhere to safety requirements (e.g., appropriate footwear, shin pads).
- Provide accurate information about medical conditions, emergency contacts, and any special needs that may affect participation.
- Inform staff of injuries, illnesses, or conditions that may affect safe participation.
- Arrive and depart sessions safely, following session protocols.
5. Risk Assessment and Safe Practice
- A written risk assessment will be completed for each venue and type of activity. This will identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and outline control measures.
- Pre-session checks should be carried out to confirm the training area, equipment, and conditions are safe.
- Coaches should consider environmental conditions (weather, lighting), access/egress, equipment condition, and participant behaviour.
6. First Aid and Accident Reporting
- A qualified first aider must be present at all sessions and have access to a suitable first aid kit.
- All accidents, injuries or “near misses” should be recorded in the Accident Report Book and reviewed to prevent recurrence.
- Serious incidents will be reported to the appropriate authorities in accordance with RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) where required.
7. Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Stafford Soccer School will ensure that all personnel working with children and young people have appropriate background checks (e.g., DBS where required) and have completed and kept up to date with the FA safeguarding / first aid training.
- Coaches and staff will ensure safe ratios and appropriate supervision for all age groups.
- Any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare will be acted on immediately in line with safeguarding procedures.
8. Communication & Review
- This Health and Safety Policy will be communicated to all coaches, staff, volunteers, participants, and parents/carers.
- The policy and related procedures will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident, legislative change, or organisational change.
- Feedback from participants and staff will be encouraged for continuous improvement.
Director & Head Coach- James Nation
Signed: J. Nation
Date: 15th February 2026
Director & Head Coach- Thomas Rowell
Signed: T. Rowell
Date: 15th February 2026
Date of Review: February 2027