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🛡️ Safeguarding Children in Football



“Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.”

When it comes to youth football, creating a safe and nurturing environment is just as important as teaching passing, shooting, or defending. The FA's Safeguarding Children Course equips coaches, volunteers, and support staff with the vital knowledge to protect young players, promote welfare, and act appropriately when concerns arise.


This course is a non-negotiable foundation for anyone working with children in the footballing world.


👶 Why Safeguarding Children Is So Important


  • Children are among the most vulnerable participants in sport

  • Coaches and club staff are in a position of trust and authority

  • Mistakes or negligence can have serious, lasting impacts

  • Safeguarding ensures that football remains a positive experience for all


“We’re not just coaching kids — we’re shaping lives.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧠 1. Understanding Safeguarding and Your Responsibility


  • What safeguarding really means

  • Legal and moral obligations in youth football

  • Recognising that everyone has a role to play


💡 You don’t have to be a safeguarding expert — just someone who acts when it counts.


👀 2. Recognising Abuse and Neglect


  • Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect

  • Signs, symptoms, and behavioural indicators in children

  • Understanding the difference between discipline and abuse


🧠 “Children won’t always tell you something’s wrong — you have to be alert enough to notice.”

🧾 3. Responding to Concerns and Disclosures


  • What to do if a child confides in you

  • The importance of listening without judgment

  • How to report to your Club Welfare Officer or statutory bodies

  • Maintaining confidentiality without compromising safety


📞 “You’re not investigating — you’re safeguarding.”

🏟️ 4. Creating a Safe Football Environment


  • Codes of conduct for coaches, players, and parents

  • Safer recruitment practices

  • Managing boundaries, behaviour, and discipline

  • Making training environments inclusive and safe


🏳️‍🌈 Safe spaces include respect for background, gender, ethnicity, and ability.


🧑‍🏫 How the Course Is Delivered


  • 💻 Online, flexible e-learning

  • 🕒 Takes approximately 90 minutes to complete

  • 🎯 Includes real-life scenarios and interactive assessments

  • 🧾 Certificate valid for three years


📌 Required for all coaches working with players under 18 in affiliated football.


⚽ Why It’s More Than Just a Qualification


Completing this course shows that you’re:


✔ Committed to safeguarding as part of your coaching identity

✔ Able to recognise and respond to child welfare concerns

✔ A trusted adult that young players can rely on

✔ A role model who builds positive, respectful relationships

“The most powerful thing a child can feel on the pitch is safe.”

🛡️ Linking Safeguarding to Coaching Excellence


Great coaching doesn’t exist without great safeguarding. This course strengthens your overall approach by ensuring:


  • Stronger communication with players and parents

  • Confidence in managing challenging situations

  • Trust and professionalism in your role as a coach or mentor


🧬 Safeguarding is not a sideline — it’s part of the game plan.

🏁 In Summary


The FA’s Safeguarding Children Course empowers you with the tools, awareness, and responsibility to protect the most important participants in football — our young players. Every coach should consider this course an essential part of their development and duty of care.


🌍 Creating Safe Pathways for Young Players


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. Safeguarding, player development, and ethical leadership are central to Steve’s mission to build a better future through football.










📣 From the Touchline – Grassroots Football Update | NexxtGen Football



As we approach the business end of the 2024/25 season, there are several important updates shaping the grassroots football landscape — from new FA rule changes to evolving matchday standards designed to support players, coaches, referees, and families across the country.


🔁 New Rule Changes to Know


🟥 Sin Bins Extended to More Age Groups


The FA is widening the use of temporary dismissals (sin bins) for dissent. Previously used primarily at U13 and above, these 8-minute dismissals are now being introduced into more youth leagues to encourage better discipline and improve respect for match officials.


👟 Rolling Substitution Clarification


Substitution rules have been clarified to ensure smoother matchday management. Players can re-enter the game after being substituted in the same half, but all changes must be made at the halfway line with referee consent. Coaches should keep players informed on this.


🗣️ Respect Barriers & Spectator Conduct


There is now a greater push for strict adherence to Respect Barriers. Many leagues are also trialling silent sidelines at younger age groups to help players develop their decision-making without too much pressure from the touchline.


⚖️ Flexible Age Group Trials


Select leagues are trialling schemes allowing players to temporarily play down a year if they’re physically underdeveloped or new to football. These initiatives are aimed at encouraging development and confidence — particularly for late bloomers.


🌱 Supporting Grassroots Growth Through NexxtGen Football


At NexxtGen Football, we're committed to helping players, coaches, and parents understand and adapt to these changes. Our mission has always been to deliver expert guidance and foster a positive, professional, and structured environment for youth footballers to thrive.


We continue to work with leading grassroots clubs, academies, and leagues to ensure our players stay ahead of the curve and benefit from a safe, educational, and empowering football experience.


💡 What This Means for Young Players at NexxtGen Football


✅ Coaches will continue to deliver up-to-date, compliant sessions

✅ Players will be guided through the latest rule changes

✅ Parents can expect a better, more positive matchday culture

✅ The focus remains on development, discipline, and enjoyment


💬 If you’re a coach, player or parent working with NexxtGen Football, or you're just looking to learn more — stay engaged, ask questions, and let's keep raising standards together. The future of grassroots football is bright, and we’re proud to be helping shape it.


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Maintaining Your Well-Being as a Football Coach




At NexxtGen Football, we believe that when you’re at your best, you’re able to give your best. Balancing the pressures of coaching and everyday life can be tough, but maintaining your well-being is essential for both your mental health and the success of your team.


Why is Maintaining Your Well-Being Important?


Your well-being is how you feel in yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your well-being is balanced, you approach coaching with a positive mindset, which helps you navigate the ups and downs of the sport.


Good well-being doesn’t mean you’re always on top of the world. It means recognising when you’re not at your best and taking action to make positive changes. It allows you to face challenges head-on without letting them affect your mental health.


Looking after your own well-being also sets a strong example for your players. It shows them the importance of self-care and resilience, both on and off the field.


What Can Impact a Coach’s Well-Being?


At every level of football, coaches face pressure and high expectations. This is especially true in grassroots football, where coaches often wear many hats. Balancing your own job, family responsibilities, match day logistics, and player management can be overwhelming.


For grassroots coaches, trying to meet everyone's needs—parents, players, and the club—while staying organised can take a toll on your well-being. It’s important to find ways to manage these pressures to avoid burnout.


Tips for Improving Your Well-Being


Here are some strategies to help you maintain your well-being as a coach:

  • Prioritise your well-being: Take care of yourself first before handling coaching tasks.

  • Get enough rest: Prioritise sleep to ensure you have the energy to coach effectively.

  • Eat well: Fuel your body with a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Live in the moment: Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future worries.

  • Communicate openly: Talk to others rather than bottling up stress.

  • Make time for yourself: Whether it’s pursuing a hobby or going for a walk, allow yourself downtime.

  • Delegate responsibilities: Share the load with assistants, parents, or even your players.

  • Set realistic goals: Understand what you can achieve in the time you have.

  • Let go of perfectionism: Accept that not everything has to be flawless.


Understanding Your Well-Being


Being mindful of your well-being means regularly checking in with yourself. How are you feeling today? What’s going well, and what isn’t? When you feel drained, take steps to recharge—whether that’s taking a break or asking for help.


It’s important not to be too hard on yourself. There are always going to be things outside your control. Focus on what you can influence, and let go of the rest.


By prioritising your well-being, you set a powerful example for your players. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—doing so fosters a supportive environment where players feel safe to express their own emotions.


Support for Coaches


As a coach, whether you have formal support networks or not, talking to others is key. Build connections with your peers, fellow coaches, and trusted friends. Starting open, non-judgmental conversations can help relieve stress and help you feel less isolated.





Staying Calm in Challenging Situations


Coaching football comes with many high-pressure moments—whether it’s handling upset parents, managing a tough loss, or facing criticism. Whatever the situation, staying calm is crucial. Here are some ways to stay grounded during stressful situations:


  • Prepare ahead of time: Whether it's your line-up or game plan, being well-prepared helps prevent last-minute stress.

  • Redefine success: Winning isn’t everything. Make sure players, parents, and others understand the team’s wider goals.

  • Have a strategy: Think through how you'll handle tricky scenarios before they happen.

  • Use calming techniques: If you feel tension rising, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

  • Embrace the ups and downs: Tough moments are part of the journey, but they make the victories even sweeter.


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in the power of positive coaching and the importance of well-being for both coaches and players. By taking care of yourself, you’re creating a healthier, more positive environment for your entire team.

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