1) Overview

Frankford F.C. in accordance with the FAI Handbook, FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy, other FAI policies, procedures and our legislative requirements have agreed this Child Safeguarding Statement which is binding on all members. Frankford F.C. is a voluntary ran soccer club operating on a local scale providing sporting activities and opportunities for children and young people through participation in clubs. The Club offers sporting activities to children and young people from the age of 5 years old. Frankford F.C. recruits over 25 volunteers with over 140 participants. Frankford F.C. is committed to safeguarding children and by working under the guidance of our Safeguarding Policies and procedures, our staff, both volunteers and employed working with our children and young people, throughout the Association, seek to create a safe and fun environment for children and young people to participate in their sport. 

2) Principles to Safeguard Children from Harm 

• 
  As defined in the Children First Act, 2015, “harm” means, in relation to a child (a) assault, ill-treatment, or 

• neglect of the child in a manner that seriously affects or is likely to seriously affect the child’s health, 

• development, or welfare, or (b)sexual abuse of the child, whether caused by a single act, omission or 

• circumstance or a series or combination of acts, omissions, or circumstances, or otherwise. This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and the requirements of FAI Handbook, FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy, other FAI policies and procedures that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. Frankford F.C. is established on a number of core principles: 

  • the needs of the Child, integrity and respect, environment, equality (protected regardless of race, ability, 

  • ethnicity or sexual orientation), fair play, welfare and safety in football. These underlying principles underpin our rules, policies and procedures to ensure that when Children participating in our activities, they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment. 

3) Risk Assessment

In preparing this statement the Club has completed a Risk Assessment of the potential risk of harm to children when they are participating in any of our games and attending our activities. The risks were reviewed under the following headings; Club and Coaching Practices; Complaints & Discipline; Reporting Procedures; Use of Facilities; Recruitment; Communications; and General Risk of Harm. The Risk Assessment was undertaken on (Insert date). The table below lists the area of Risk identified and the list of procedures and policies for managing these risks 

Risk Identified 

Procedures/Policies in place 

Risk of harm including assault, ill treatment or neglect of a child in a manner that seriously affects or is likely to seriously affect the child’s health, development or welfare or sexual abuse of child 

• 
  FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy 

• FAI Concern-Complaint policy 

• FAI Handbook 

• Safeguarding training 

Risk of harm of abuse when hosting an activity and or an away trip 

• 
  FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy 

• FAI Concern-Complaint policy 

• Safeguarding training 

Risk of harm of online abuse through social media 

• 
  FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy 

• FAI Social Media policy 

Bullying of a child 

• 
  FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy 

• FAI Concern-Complaint policy 

• FAI Social Media policy 

The Club’s Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, (the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of 

Children (2017), and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice). 

The Club has the following procedures in place as part of our Safeguarding Policies: 

• Procedures for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff or volunteers against a child availing of our activities; 

• Procedures for the safe recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers to work with children in our activities; 

• Procedures for provision of and access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm; 

• Procedure for reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to Statutory Authorities; 

• Procedures for maintaining a list of the persons in the relevant service who are mandated; 

• Procedure for appointing a relevant person. 

All procedures/policies listed are available on request. FAI Policies and the FAI Handbook are available on https://www.fai.ie/about/library

4) Mandated Person

The Mandated persons for the Club is Kirsten Pakes of the FAI and the Designated Liaison person is Martin McKeown.

5) Implementation

Frankford F.C. recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. Our Club is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying child welfare and safeguarding policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while participating in our activities. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed no later than 31st June 2025 or as soon as practicable after there has been material change in any matter to which the statement refers. 

This statement will be displayed in a prominent place on the premises. 

It has been provided to all staff, volunteers and any other persons involved with the service. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla and members of the public if requested. 

Signed: Date: 

For further information on this Child Safeguarding Statement, please contact Child Welfare Officer, Martin McKeown

1) Name

The name of the club shall be Frankford F.C., hereinafter referred to as “the Club.”

2) Objectives

• 
  To provide a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for playing soccer.

• To encourage participation in soccer for boys and girls aged 5 to 16 and to support a senior team for members aged 17 and over.

• To promote physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and community spirit among members.

• To operate on a non-profit, voluntary basis for the benefit of the local community.

3) Membership

Eligibility

• Membership is open to individuals aged 5 years old and above, subject to payment of annual membership fees and adherence to club rules.

• Membership categories include:

  • Junior Members: Players aged 5 to 16.

  • Senior Members: Players aged 17 and over.

  • Associate Members: Parents, guardians, volunteers, and supporters.

Membership Fees

• Membership fees shall be set annually by the Club Committee. Concessions may apply for families with multiple members.

Code of Conduct

• All members must adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct and respect the Club’s rules and policies.

4) Club Structure

Club Officers
The Club shall have the following officers:

• Chairperson

• Vice-Chairperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Public Relations Officer (PRO)

• Child Welfare Officer

Club Committee

• The Club Committee shall consist of the Club Officers and up to six additional elected members.

• The Committee shall oversee the administration, policies, and activities of the Club.

• Decisions are made by majority vote; the Chairperson has the casting vote in case of a tie.

Subcommittees

• The Committee may establish subcommittees for specific purposes, such as fundraising, events, or coaching.

5) Meetings

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

• The AGM shall be held annually, no later than 31st June.

• Agenda items include:

  • Reports from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary.

  • Election of Club Officers and Committee Members.

  • Approval of membership fees.

Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

• An EGM may be called by the Committee or upon written request from at least 20% of members.

Committee Meetings

• Held monthly or as needed.

• A quorum of 50% of Committee members is required.

6) Teams and Coaches

Team Structure

• The Club shall field teams for boys and girls aged 5 to 16, with a senior team for members aged 17 and over.

• Teams shall be categorised by age groups in accordance with local league regulations.

Coaches

• Coaches shall be appointed by the Committee.

• All coaches must be Garda Vetted, and hold valid and current FAI safeguarding and relevant FAI coaching qualifications.

7) Finances

Non-Profit Status

• The Club operates on a non-profit basis. Any surplus funds shall be reinvested into Club activities and facilities.

Financial Oversight

• The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records and provide regular updates to the Committee.

• Annual accounts shall be presented at the AGM.

Bank Account

• The Club’s funds shall be held in a bank account in the Club’s name.

• Any withdrawals must be authorised by at least two signatories from the main committee.

8) Child Welfare

• 
  The Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all players.

• A designated Child Welfare Officer shall oversee child protection policies.

• All members must respect and adhere to the Club’s Code of Ethics and ensure a safe, respectful environment.

9) Discipline and Grievances

• 
  The Committee shall have the authority to investigate and resolve any disciplinary issues or grievances.

• Members may appeal disciplinary decisions to an independent panel established by the Committee.

10) Amendments

• 
  Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by the Committee or by a written request from at least 20% of members.

• Amendments require approval by two-thirds of members present at the AGM or an EGM.

11) Dissolution

In the event of the Club’s dissolution, all remaining funds and assets shall be distributed to a local charity or voluntary sports organisation as decided by the Committee.

Frankford FC Volunteer Recruitment and Selection Policy

1. Purpose

Frankford FC recognises that volunteers are central to the successful operation of the club. We are committed to recruiting, selecting and supporting volunteers in a fair, transparent and safe manner while ensuring the welfare of all children and young people remains paramount.

This policy applies to all volunteers including coaches, assistant coaches, committee members, team helpers, referees, event volunteers and anyone working with or on behalf of Frankford FC.

2. Equality and Inclusion

Frankford FC welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and is committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, family status, marital status, religion, race, sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller Community.

Appointments are made based on suitability, experience and the needs of the club.

3. Volunteer Roles

The club recruits volunteers for a variety of roles including:

• Coaches

• Assistant Coaches

• Team Helpers

• Committee Members

• Child Welfare Officer

• Fundraising Volunteers

• Event Volunteers

• Grounds and Facilities Volunteers

• Social Media and Administration Volunteers

Each role will have clear responsibilities explained before appointment.

4. Recruitment Process

The club aims to recruit volunteers openly and fairly.

The recruitment process may include:

• Expression of interest

• Informal discussion regarding the role

• Garda Vetting

• Safeguarding training

• Reference checks where appropriate

• Committee approval

Appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all safeguarding requirements.

5. Garda Vetting

Any volunteer who works with children or vulnerable persons must:

• Complete Garda Vetting through the FAI

• Receive a satisfactory disclosure before commencing regulated activities where required

• Renew vetting in accordance with FAI requirements

6. Safeguarding

All volunteers working with children must:

• Complete Safeguarding 1 training

• Complete any additional safeguarding training required by the FAI

• Follow the FAI Child Safeguarding Policy

• Follow Frankford FC safeguarding procedures

• Report any child welfare concerns to the Club Children's Officer or Designated Liaison Person.

7. Induction

New volunteers will receive an induction covering:

• Club values

• Safeguarding procedures

• Codes of Conduct

• Health and Safety

• Emergency procedures

• Role expectations

• Who to contact for support

Where possible, new volunteers will be supported by an experienced member of the club.

8. Support and Training

Frankford FC is committed to supporting volunteers by providing:

• Access to coaching education

• FAI coaching courses

• Safeguarding training

• Mentor support

• Committee guidance

• Opportunities for personal development

9. Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers are expected to:

• Act as positive role models.

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

• Promote fair play.

• Put children's welfare first.

• Follow club policies.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

10. Confidentiality

Volunteers may have access to confidential information relating to players and families.

Such information must only be used for club purposes and handled in accordance with GDPR and the club's Privacy Policy.

11. Concerns and Complaints

Frankford FC encourages volunteers to raise concerns early.

Complaints will be dealt with fairly, confidentially and in accordance with club procedures.

12. Leaving a Volunteer Role

Volunteers may resign at any time.

Where possible, volunteers are encouraged to provide reasonable notice to assist with succession planning.

The club may also end a volunteer appointment where there has been:

• Serious misconduct

• Breach of safeguarding requirements

• Failure to comply with club policies

• Behaviour bringing the club into disrepute

Any decision will follow fair procedures.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if required by changes in legislation, FAI requirements or club needs.

Volunteer Recruitment Procedure

1. Volunteer expresses an interest.

2. Informal discussion about the role.

3. Role explained.

4. Committee approves appointment.

5. Garda Vetting initiated (where required).

6. Safeguarding training completed.

7. Code of Conduct signed.

8. Volunteer begins role with ongoing support.

Volunteer Commitment

Frankford FC recognises that volunteers generously give their time and skills to support our players and community. The club is committed to ensuring volunteers feel welcomed, valued, respected and supported throughout their involvement.

Frankford FC Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

At Frankford FC we are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment where every child can develop and enjoy football.

As a parent/guardian I agree that I will:

• Remember that football is for the enjoyment and development of the children.

• Encourage all players and recognise effort, improvement and teamwork rather than just results.

• Treat players, coaches, referees, volunteers and other parents with courtesy and respect at all times.

• Respect the decisions of referees and match officials.

• Allow coaches to coach and avoid giving instructions from the sideline during matches or training.

• Never use abusive, offensive, discriminatory or threatening language or behaviour.

• Raise any concerns through the appropriate coach or club committee in a respectful manner and not during or immediately after a match.

• Support the club's Safeguarding, Equality and Inclusion and Anti-Bullying policies.

• Ensure my child attends training and matches with appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment.

• Inform the coach of any medical conditions, injuries or changes that may affect my child's participation.

• Promote fair play, good sportsmanship and respect for opponents at all times.

• Respect club facilities and the property of other clubs.

• Accept that repeated breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action by Frankford FC.

Approved by: Frankford FC Committee
Review Date: July 2028

1. Introduction

Frankford FC is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all players, parents/guardians, volunteers, coaches, committee members and supporters.

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who We Are

Frankford FC is a voluntary football club providing football opportunities for boys and girls aged 5–16 years and a senior team for players aged 17 years and over.

For the purposes of GDPR, Frankford FC is the Data Controller.

Contact Email: frankfordfc@hotmail.com

3. What Information We Collect

Depending on your involvement with the club, we may collect:

Players

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Address

• Medical information

• Emergency contacts

• Team information

• FAI registration details

Parents/Guardians

• Name

• Address

• Telephone numbers

• Email address

Volunteers and Coaches

• Name

• Contact details

• Garda Vetting status

• Safeguarding qualifications

• Coaching qualifications

• Committee roles

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We process personal information to:

• Register players with Frankford FC

• Register players with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI)

• Organise teams, training and matches

• Contact parents and members

• Manage safeguarding responsibilities

• Administer insurance

• Manage volunteers

• Meet legal obligations

• Respond in emergencies

• Promote club activities (where consent has been given)

5. Lawful Basis for Processing

Frankford FC processes personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Consent

• Performance of a contract (club membership)

• Legal obligation

• Legitimate interests

• Protection of vital interests (medical emergencies)

6. Sharing Information

We only share information where necessary with organisations such as:

• Football Association of Ireland (FAI)

• Relevant football leagues

• Insurance providers

• Emergency services

• Statutory authorities where legally required

We never sell personal information.

7. Photographs and Videos

Photographs and videos may be used on the club website and social media only where appropriate consent has been obtained.

Parents/guardians may withdraw consent at any time.

8. How Long We Keep Information

We only retain personal information for as long as necessary.

Examples include:

• Current player records during membership

• Financial records in accordance with legal requirements

• Accident reports as required by law

• Safeguarding records in line with FAI guidance

Information is securely destroyed when no longer required.

9. Security

Frankford FC takes reasonable measures to protect personal information including:

• Password protected devices

• Secure online systems

• Restricted access

• Confidential handling of records

10. Your Rights

Under GDPR you have the right to:

• Access your information

• Correct inaccurate information

• Request deletion (where appropriate)

• Restrict processing

• Object to processing

• Data portability

• Withdraw consent

11. Complaints

If you have concerns regarding how your information is handled, please contact the Club Secretary.

You also have the right to complain to the Data Protection Commission (DPC).

Website: https://www.dataprotection.ie

12. Changes

This Privacy Notice may be updated periodically.

Approved by: Frankford FC Committee
Review Date: July 2028

1. Purpose

Frankford FC is committed to protecting personal information and ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all:

• Committee members

• Coaches

• Volunteers

• Team helpers

• Anyone processing information on behalf of Frankford FC

3. Data Protection Principles

Frankford FC will ensure personal information is:

• Processed lawfully, fairly and transparently

• Collected only for specified purposes

• Limited to what is necessary

• Accurate and kept up to date

• Retained only as long as necessary

• Stored securely

• Protected against unauthorised access

4. Responsibilities

The Committee is responsible for ensuring compliance.

Committee members and volunteers must:

• Keep information confidential.

• Only access information needed for their role.

• Never share personal information without permission unless legally required.

• Report suspected data breaches immediately.

5. Storage of Information

Information may be stored:

• Securely within FAI systems

• Password protected computers

• Password protected cloud storage

• Locked filing cabinets (if paper records exist)

Personal information should never be stored on unsecured devices.

6. Email and Electronic Communication

Committee members should:

• Use official club email accounts where possible.

• Take care when sending group emails.

• Use BCC where appropriate.

• Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.

7. WhatsApp and Messaging

Messaging groups should only be used for club communication.

Medical or sensitive personal information should not be shared in group chats.

Parents should communicate privately with coaches regarding confidential matters.

8. Website and Social Media

The club will only publish:

• Appropriate photographs where consent exists.

• Match reports.

• Club news.

No personal information about children will be published unnecessarily.

9. Data Breaches

Any suspected data breach must be reported immediately to the Committee.

The Committee will:

• Investigate the incident.

• Minimise any risk.

• Notify the Data Protection Commission where legally required.

• Inform affected individuals where necessary.

10. Subject Access Requests

Individuals may request a copy of the personal information held about them.

Requests should be submitted to the Club Secretary.

Frankford FC will respond within the statutory timeframe unless an extension is permitted by law.

11. Data Retention

The club will only retain information for as long as necessary for club administration, legal obligations and safeguarding requirements.

Information that is no longer required will be securely deleted or destroyed.

12. Training

Committee members, coaches and volunteers who process personal data should be made aware of their data protection responsibilities.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if legislation changes.