Summary
The Club Welfare Officer (CWO) ensures VPFC provides a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all children and young people.
This role carries significant responsibility but is well supported — by the County FA, by the Youth League Welfare Officer, and by the FA’s clear guidance.
At VPFC, all our age groups are primary school and we require a parent/guardian to be on-site with each child. This makes us lower risk than many clubs, but the diligence required and importance of the role are unchanged.
Key Responsibilities
The CWO role has an FA-defined job description, which you can download below:
📄 Download FA Club Welfare Officer Role Description
In summary, a CWO must:
- Be clear about responsibilities: Ensure the club follows safeguarding, equality, and anti-bullying policies, and that these are understood by coaches and parents.
- Support safer recruitment: Ensure DBS checks and references are completed for all who need them.
- Promote Respect: Communicate and implement The FA Respect programme and codes of conduct.
- Be the point of contact: For welfare concerns raised by children, parents, coaches, or officials.
- Liaise: With Youth League and County FA Welfare Officers when concerns arise or advice is needed.
- Encourage & Educate: Help parents and coaches complete safeguarding training.
- Monitor: Report and track any repeated incidents of poor behaviour or safeguarding breaches.
Skills & Support
✅ Approachable, good with people, and willing to listen
✅ Organised and able to maintain confidentiality
✅ Committed to safeguarding and child welfare
👉 Full FA training is provided, with ongoing support from the County FA and the club committee.
This is one of the most important roles in grassroots football, and a chance to make a real difference to the culture of VPFC.
Interested? Get Involved!
📩 Contact us at victoriaplayingfieldsfc@gmail.com to apply or learn more.