Jersey FA has today further emphasised its continued drive for excellence in safeguarding the welfare of young and vulnerable people involved in football at all levels in the island.

In February 2021, the Association was subject to a robust assessment conducted by independent safeguarding consultants, Girling Hughes, through The FA’s audit process. At the culmination of that assessment, inspectors congratulated Jersey FA’s entire team on a successful audit and confirmed that the Association met all standards required for safeguarding. The assessment praised Jersey FA’s “excellent” work in listening to the voice of children and young people, in addition to its status as a Registered Childcare Provider under the Government of Jersey registration scheme.

As part of Jersey FA’s on-going work as it strives for safeguarding excellence, the Association has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board (SPB), becoming the first sports organisation on the island to sign one. In doing so, Jersey FA had committed to cooperate with the SPB and to conduct its business in line with the safeguarding standards set out by the board.

Nikki Holmes, Jersey FA’s Board Equality Champion, said: “As a Director of Jersey FA and a sports safeguarding researcher and trainer, I firmly believe that football should be a safe place for children and everyone involved in the game must do everything they can to ensure that the game is safe and enjoyable.

“In many aspects, Jersey is ahead of the UK and I have been asked by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sarah Champion MP to share research on Jersey’s legislation on Positions in Trust in sport, ahead of proposed changes to the law in England and Wales. 

“Safeguarding is never finished. We must constantly evolve our practices.”

Those worried or concerned about something relating to safeguarding in grassroots football are encouraged to make contact with your club’s Welfare Officer.

Alternatively, Jersey FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Alan Williams, is available for all enquires and can be contacted via email at alan.williams@jerseyfa.com or by calling 07797 839466.

You can also contact the Children and Families Hub in Jersey on 01534 519000 or call the police in an emergency. 

The NSPCC Helpline is 0800 023 262 or 0800 800 5000.