Child Wellbeing

Safeguarding players is of paramount importance to the SYFA.

We are dedicated to providing safe and secure footballing opportunities for young people in Scotland, with Child Wellbeing and protection central to all that we do. This section provides important information and advice on child protection

If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999, or call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, straight away.

Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy

The Scottish Youth FA is fully committed to promoting, supporting and safeguarding the wellbeing of all children under its jurisdiction.

We recognise the child’s rights to protection as provided in Article 19 of the UNCRC. ‘Child Protection’ means protecting a child from abuse or neglect, as stated within the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2014. For the purposes of this policy, a child is recognised as someone under the age of 18 years.

This policy applies to all children regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, socio-economic status or family circumstance.

Sections 1, 2 and 3 set out the policy's Aims and Standards

Section 4 details procedures regarding Safe Selection & Responding to Concerns

Section 5 provides practice notes all Clubs should be familiar with

Reporting a Concern

Should you wish to disclose information about an adult, child or young person regarding their wellbeing, please complete the below form.

Concern Reporting Form

For parents / guardians filling out this form, please send to the Club CWPO.

If your concern relates to a fixture/friendly, or you believe their to be a conflict of interest, the form should be completed by a Team Official and sent to the League CWPO.

Should you require further support, advice, or input, please contact the SYFA by telephoning 07946051631 or emailing [email protected]

Reporting Concerns Assistance

This section is designed to aid those raising a concern through detailed step-by-step guides.

How To Report A Concern

Flowchart 1 has been designed to simplify the steps that should be taken to raise a concern about an adult, child or young person’s wellbeing.

Concern Outside The Football Environment

Flowchart 3 is for circumstances in which a player has disclosed information regarding an issue at home / school / in the community.

Responding To Concerns Procedure

Flowchart 2 outlines the steps that will then be taken by the Club, League or SYFA CWPO.

Supporting Document

Flowchart 4 is to be used in conjunction with 1, 2 and 3 as it outlines the route within which you should raise your concern and the possible outcomes.

Useful Documents

This section will be continuously updated with useful documents for SYFA CWPOs, Parents/Guardians, Players and Members.

Travelling with the team

Flowchart 1 has been designed to simplify the steps that should be taken to raise a concern about an adult, child or young person’s wellbeing.

Player Consent Form

We recommend all clubs using this consent form if they do not have their own. A parent or guardian should complete the attached before their child can take part.

Useful Links

This section will be continuously updated with useful links to external support for SYFA CWPOs, Parents/Guardians, Players and Members.

Childline

Free counselling service and advice for children and young people.

Children First

Scotland’s National Children’s Charity

Child Protection Scotland

National grouping of professionals who work together to improve the protection of children in Scotland.

NSPCC

Reporting abuse.

Training

Children's Wellbeing in Football

All SYFA members must complete the Children’s Wellbeing in Football e-learning online module.

Managing Children’s Wellbeing

Every Club CWPO must complete the Managing Children’s Wellbeing module.

Grassroots Football PVG

The introduction of the GFPVG group created a more consistent approach across the grassroots game, allowing PVG membership to be recognised across the participating organisations while maintaining the highest standards of child and player wellbeing and safer recruitment.

In line with the changes introduced through the Disclosure (Scotland) Act, it is now a legal requirement for individuals undertaking regulated roles with children (and vulnerable adults) to hold the appropriate PVG membership updated every 5 years. Organisations also have a responsibility to ensure that individuals are suitably checked before carrying out these roles.

Following the introduction of the Grassroots Football PVG (GFPVG) process in early 2025, the Scottish Youth FA, Scottish Women’s Football, Scottish FA and Scottish Para Football remain committed to reviewing procedures and implementing improvements wherever possible to make the process clearer, more efficient and easier for our members to navigate. Following our review, the requirement for identity checks to be carried out at club level has now been removed. These changes are intended to reduce the administrative burden placed on clubs and volunteers, while maintaining the highest standards of wellbeing and recruitment across Scottish football.

Although the identity verification requirement at club level is being removed, we would strongly encourage Additional Signatories, where possible, to remain involved as a “PVG Guru” within your club environment, supporting coaches, volunteers and applicants with any questions or guidance they may require throughout the process. Your experience, knowledge and continued efforts remain invaluable to our organisations and the wider grassroots game.