MR Football Development Child Welfare & Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: 26th May 2025 | Next Review: 1st January 2026
Designated Liaison Person (DLP): Daryl Walsh
Email: coaching@mrfootballdevelopment.com

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1. Definitions

• MR Football Development: Referred to as "we," "our," or "us" throughout this policy.

• Child/Young Person: An individual under the age of 18.

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2. Introduction

At MR Football Development, we are committed to providing a safe environment for all children and young people engaging with our services. This Child Safeguarding Policy has been created in accordance with the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure, and Practice.

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3. Child Safeguarding Commitment

We are dedicated to safeguarding children by:

• Acknowledging that every child has the right to be protected from abuse and harm.

• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are properly vetted (including Garda checks) and trained in child protection and safeguarding.

• Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns or allegations of abuse.

• Offering children and their parents/guardians a safe space to raise any concerns.

• Enforcing non-violent disciplinary measures that avoid humiliation.

• Creating an environment free from bullying and responding immediately if incidents occur.

• Continuously reviewing the effectiveness of our safeguarding policies and practices.

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4. Risk Assessment Summary

In line with the Children First Act 2015, MR Football Development has conducted a thorough risk assessment to identify potential risks of harm to children participating in our services. A summary of the identified risks and our control measures will be outlined in a more detailed document, available upon request.

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5. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any concerns or disclosures related to a child’s safety or well-being will be taken seriously and dealt with confidentially and sensitively.

• Concerns should be reported directly to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP), Daryl Walsh, at coaching@mrfootballdevelopment.com.

• Where necessary, concerns will be escalated to Tusla or An Garda Síochána as required under mandatory reporting regulations.

• We ensure that all staff are fully supported in fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the Children First Act 2015.

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6. Code of Behaviour for Staff

All MR Football Development coaches and staff working with children are expected to:

• Treat children with respect, kindness, and fairness at all times.

• Avoid behaviours that could be perceived as inappropriate or harmful.

• Never use physical punishment or verbal humiliation under any circumstances.

• Maintain appropriate supervision of children during all activities.

• Report and document any safeguarding concerns immediately and appropriately.

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7. Anti-Bullying Policy

MR Football Development takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, whether verbal, physical, or cyber.

• All incidents of bullying will be addressed promptly and thoroughly.

• Action will be taken to stop bullying behaviour, including communication with parents and the implementation of appropriate consequences.

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8. Media Consent

By booking a session, you grant MR Football Development permission to capture and use photographs or video footage of the participating child. These media may be used in:

• MR Football Development’s website and social media platforms.

• The digital platforms of trusted partners or sponsors.

If you do not wish for your child to be included in any media content, please notify us by email at coaching@mrfootballdevelopment.com prior to the session.

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Acknowledgement of Child Welfare & Safeguarding Policy

By participating in MR Football Development activities, parents/guardians and participants acknowledge that they have read and agreed to the terms of this Child Welfare & Safeguarding Policy.