England footballers feature in FA safeguarding video
Friday 2 December 2016 18:30, UK
National team captains Wayne Rooney and Steph Houghton are among a quartet of England football leaders who feature in an FA film designed to outline the four steps to safeguarding children.
The film is part of the FA's plan to support a safe and enjoyable framework for football and also features Jack Rutter, captain of the England cerebral palsy football team, and U21 vice-captain Nathaniel Chalobah.
People who work in football are encouraged to report any concerns about a child's welfare and it is explained how parents and children can raise concerns they have about adults working in football.
And the video describes the steps taken by 8,500 safeguarding officers working across English football to ensure that, if standards ever fall short with poor practice or unacceptable behaviour, the situation can be addressed.
An FA press release explained: "Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of an adult towards a child or young person under 18 years of age in football, is required to refer it to The FA Safeguarding team.
"The team is staffed by professionals who are experienced in dealing with these concerns.
"Referring a concern can be done via your club, league or County FA - all will have a designated safeguarding officer (DSO). Alternatively, you can email via safeguarding@thefa.com.
"If the matter is urgent and you cannot contact your club or County FA designated safeguarding officer, you can call The NSPCC 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000 - or if it is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate risk, then call the police or children's social care in your area."
The FA has commissioned an independent-led inquiry into English football's handling of any past incidents and allegations of sexual abuse, in the wake of recent accusations.
Former player Andy Woodward's decision to go public on the abuse he suffered prompted others to report their stories, and the National Police Chiefs' Council says forces are now dealing with around 350 victims alleging historical abuse.
