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🛡️ Safeguarding Adults in Football



“Respect. Protect. Empower.”

In today’s game, safeguarding isn’t just about children — it’s about every person in football, at every level. The FA / England Football Learning "Safeguarding Adults" course ensures coaches and club staff understand how to create safe, inclusive environments for all adults — particularly those who may be at risk of harm, exploitation, or neglect.


Whether you're working in grassroots, disability, or mental health football, this course is a crucial step in being a truly responsible and respectful coach.


🧠 Why Safeguarding Adults Matters


  • Many adult players face vulnerabilities (e.g., disabilities, mental health issues, or learning difficulties)

  • Coaches and club staff are often trusted figures — with that trust comes duty of care

  • A strong safeguarding culture protects both participants and staff


“Being a great coach starts with being a great human being.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧭 1. Understanding Safeguarding in the Adult Context


  • What safeguarding means for adult players

  • Who is considered an "adult at risk"

  • Common misconceptions about autonomy and consent


💡 Not all safeguarding is about protection — it's often about empowerment and respect.

🧩 2. Recognising Signs of Abuse and Neglect


  • Physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse

  • Discrimination, domestic abuse, institutional abuse

  • How to spot patterns and red flags without overstepping


🧠 “You don’t need to diagnose — you need to care enough to act.”

🔄 3. The Importance of Mental Capacity and Consent


  • Adults have a legal right to make their own decisions

  • Understanding mental capacity assessments

  • How to ask questions respectfully and involve the right people


⚖️ Balancing independence and intervention is key.

🗣️ 4. How to Respond and Report Safely


  • What to do if someone shares a concern

  • How to respond without causing distress or panic

  • Knowing when and how to report to safeguarding officers or authorities

  • Confidentiality vs. safety — understanding boundaries


📞 “You don’t have to fix it — but you do have to report it.”

🧑‍🏫 5. Creating an Inclusive and Safe Environment


  • Establishing clear codes of conduct

  • Encouraging open communication in your team

  • Ensuring accessibility and understanding for all players

  • Treating players as individuals, not just footballers


🏳️‍🌈 Inclusion isn’t an add-on. It’s part of your culture.

✅ Course Format & Delivery


  • 💻 Online delivery (self-paced)

  • 🕓 Takes around 45–60 minutes

  • ✅ Includes real-life scenarios and case studies

  • 🧾 Certification provided upon completion


This is not just a qualification — it's a responsibility every coach should take seriously.

🔑 Why This Qualification Sets You Apart


Having this certification means you're:


✔ Aware of the unique safeguarding needs of adult participants

✔ Equipped to take early, appropriate action

✔ Committed to building an inclusive football culture

✔ Trusted by players, clubs, and the wider footballing community


“The best coaches build environments where every adult feels safe, valued, and respected.”

⚽ Safeguarding in Practice: What It Looks Like


🗣️ Listening actively and checking in on players

📋 Making sure club policies include adult-specific safeguarding

👥 Working closely with Welfare Officers or Safeguarding Leads

🚪 Creating safe spaces on and off the pitch


It’s not about ticking a box — it’s about making a difference.

🏁 In Summary


The FA Safeguarding Adults course provides essential knowledge for all who work with adult participants. It helps ensure that football remains inclusive, safe, and enjoyable — no matter a player’s age, ability, or circumstance.


🌍 Putting People First in the Modern Game


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. With safeguarding and player welfare at the heart of his approach, Steve builds coaching environments that empower and protect — not just train.











⚽ FA Introduction to Coaching Football (Level 1) – In Depth Overview



The FA Introduction to Coaching Football – previously known as FA Level 1 – is the perfect launchpad for anyone beginning their coaching journey. Whether you're supporting your child’s grassroots team or aspiring to climb the professional ladder, this course provides you with the confidence, knowledge, and structure to get started the right way.


"You don’t need to have played the game to teach the game. You just need the heart to inspire others."

🎓 Course Structure at a Glance


  • 💻 Delivered 100% online

  • 🧠 Self-paced learning (12–15 hours over ~6 weeks)

  • 🗣️ Live virtual classrooms with FA tutors

  • 🌍 Access to England Football's Coach Community

  • ✅ Includes safeguarding and first steps into football philosophy


"Great coaches aren't born — they’re developed through learning, listening, and leading."

🧩 What You’ll Learn – Module by Module


🔒 Creating Safe, Fun and Inclusive Environments


This is the foundation of the course. You’ll learn how to:


  • Create sessions that are safe and enjoyable

  • Understand and act on safeguarding responsibilities

  • Welcome players of all backgrounds and abilities


“Happy players learn best. Safe environments grow the game.”

🧬 The England DNA – Building a Coaching Identity


Explore the FA’s national coaching framework:


  • Develop your own values and coaching style

  • Understand the England DNA and its five key elements

  • Learn the importance of a player-centred approach


🧠 Focus: The Whole Player – Technical, Tactical, Physical, Psychological, and Social development.


🧠 Planning and Delivering Sessions


Get hands-on with session design:


  • Learn how to use the STEP principle (Space, Task, Equipment, People)

  • Design engaging, age-appropriate training plans

  • Develop flexible session structures with warm-ups, core activities, and wrap-ups


📋 Includes ready-made templates and example sessions to inspire you.


🧒 Understanding Your Players


To coach effectively, you must understand who you’re coaching:


  • Learn to adapt communication to suit different age groups

  • Recognise developmental stages of young players

  • Build confidence, creativity, and resilience in your team


“It’s not just about coaching footballers. It’s about developing people.”

🎯 Coaching Through Games


Game-based learning is the heartbeat of modern coaching:


  • Use small-sided games to teach decision-making

  • Keep players active, involved, and learning

  • Turn mistakes into learning moments in real-time


🕹️ Practical tip: Make your sessions look and feel like the game!


📈 Next Steps in Your Coaching Journey


Wrap up with a roadmap for development:


  • Learn about the FA Level 2 / UEFA C Licence

  • Discover CPD opportunities and mentor programmes

  • Reflect on your coaching philosophy and long-term goals


“Coaching is a journey — and this is only the first exciting step.”

🤝 Why This Qualification Matters


Completing the FA’s Introduction to Coaching Football shows that you’re serious about doing things the right way — prioritising development, inclusion, and enjoyment over just winning.

You’ll leave the course with:


✅ A clear coaching philosophy

✅ Practical session ideas

✅ A toolkit for safe, effective coaching

✅ Confidence to lead your team, your way


🌍 Work with a Coach Who’s Been There


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. Whether you're local or international, you’ll benefit from a coach who brings grassroots knowledge with global insight.











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