Education and training in the basics of safeguarding is necessary for all staff, volunteers and management committee members engaging in a regulated activity (coaching) with children and young people.
Safeguarding training includes:
- Basic awareness and understanding of safeguarding issues
- Recognising a child protection concern - including guidance on how to respond to, record and report concerns in line with Association requirements
- Coaches and volunteers’ responsibility to safeguard children and young people who participate in Association programmes
- Awareness of the Irish FA’s Safeguarding and Children Policy and Procedures – including Codes of Conduct
All club volunteers/staff engaging in Regulated Activity in youth football affiliated to the Irish FA must complete the Irish FA Safeguarding Children and Young People in Football session within 3-6 months of taking up their role. This initial session must be tutor led.
All Safeguarding training should be refreshed every 3 years. Options include a further tutor led session or completing online training which is available here:
Irish FA Safeguarding Course
Click to RegisterClubs/Leagues can arrange courses directly through one of the following facilitators. The maximum number of participants per courses is 25. The facilitator will provide the Irish FA with an attendance record and certificates will be issued to all participants. Clubs should maintain their own attendance record. Courses last approximately 3 hours.
- Kevin Doherty - Kevin.doherty@irishfa.com – North West
- Gary Boyd - fastekfootball@hotmail.com – Antrim, Belfast
- Pat Power - pat.power@nmandd.org – Newry, Mourne & Down
- Ray Sanderson - ray.sanderson2@btinternet.com Fermanagh, Strabane & Derry
- Pat Neeson – patmneeson@gmail.com Greater Belfast, North Down
- Chris McDowell – chris_mcdowell10@hotmail.com Fermanagh, Enniskillen
- Sonya McMullan - sonyamcmullan@gmail.com Greater Belfast
Facilitators are prepared to travel within reason. Participants should be aged 18 or over, those aged 16-17 can only participate in the course with parental consent form (download below)
Alternatively, individuals can register their interest in participating in one of the following courses with kevin.doyle@irishfa.com.