Academy Policies

Safeguarding, Welfare and Conduct

Clear expectations for safe, respectful, development-led U8-U11 football coaching in Ashford.

Policy Summary

Practical rules for players, parents and coaches.

These policies support safe delivery, calm parent communication, and age-appropriate player development.

Safeguarding

Player welfare is the first priority. Coaching is age-appropriate, supervised, and delivered with clear expectations around conduct, boundaries, respect, and wellbeing. Any safeguarding concern should be raised promptly through the academy's designated safeguarding route.

Photography

No identifiable images should be used without consent. Photography, video, player images, names and personal details should only be used where parent or carer consent, image-use permission and safeguarding checks are in place.

Parent conduct

Parents should support calmly, respect coaches, players, other families, venues and equipment, and avoid pressure-heavy sideline instructions.

Player conduct

Players are expected to listen, try hard, respect teammates and coaches, use equipment safely, and contribute to a positive group environment.

Cancellation and refund

Membership changes require 14 days' notice. Personal absence is non-refundable. If the provider cancels a session, a make-up session should be offered where practical.

Privacy

This static website is informational only and avoids forms, accounts, analytics, payments, personal-data capture and identifiable child imagery.

Complaints

Concerns should be raised through the agreed parent communication route so they can be reviewed calmly, documented where needed, and handled with safeguarding and welfare in mind.

Safeguarding and Welfare

Player wellbeing comes before performance outcomes.

  • Safeguarding concerns should be raised promptly through the academy's agreed safeguarding route.
  • Players should be treated with respect, encouragement, and age-appropriate coaching boundaries.
  • Medical, wellbeing, confidence, or attendance concerns should be shared through agreed parent communication channels.

Images and Identity

Consent, privacy and clear academy positioning.

The academy must avoid misleading imagery, protect young players, and stay clear that it is development-focused.

  • No identifiable child should appear on the website or academy materials without appropriate consent.
  • Photography and video use must consider consent, safeguarding, context, and the player's privacy.
  • Professional club badges, crests, kits, or imagery must not be used to imply affiliation.

Development Boundary

Heading is not part of the U7-U11 curriculum. Heading in matches is banned for U7-U11 from the 2026/27 season.

The academy does not promise professional academy placement, trials, club signings, or affiliation with any professional club.