CHILD WELFARE
The team at Hitchin Town Youth FC are committed to doing everything we can to create a safe, secure, enjoyable and friendly environment for all children who play for the club. Here are the details of how we safeguard child welfare.
MEET CALLUM - OUR CHIEF WELFARE OFFICER
Callum Ellis is Hitchin Town Youth's Chief Welfare Officer (CWO). Callum operates in the same role for the main, senior club (Hitchin Town FC) and Hitchin Town Women FC. As such welfare issues are perfectly coordinated across the club from top-to-bottom.
If a player, parent or Coach has any concerns regarding the wellbeing of a child connected with Hitchin Town Youth FC please do not hesitate to confidentially contact Callum in the first instance, via the dedicated contact details below:
Contact Callum
- Email: Safeguarding@hitchintownwomenfc.co.uk
- Mobile: 07467 021063 (Dedicated contact number for all safeguarding/welfare issues)
WELFARE & SAFEGUARDING AT HTYFC
How do we ensure our players are protected?
- FA Accredited: HTYFC is an FA Accredited Club highlighting that as a club and committee we run the club to the highest FA standards.
- Our Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures follows the FA's format, is regularly updated, and can be downloaded below.
- Codes of Conduct: As a club we strictly follow the FA's Codes of Conduct which are shown below and downloadable from this page.
- DBS Checked: All coaches who volunteer with HTYFC have to have an in-date and fully approved DBS at all-times. (If you're a Coach who's DBS is expiring, get in touch with our Club Secretary, Adam Nethersole to get it renewed).
- FA Safeguarding Approved: All coaches additionally have passed the FA's Safeguarding Children qualification, which the club pays for. (If you're a Coach who's Safeguarding is expiring, get in touch with our Club Secretary, Adam Nethersole to get it renewed).
- First Aid: All teams have to have at least one coach (and ideally all) who have passed the FA Introduction to First Aid qualification.
- First Aid Kits: All teams are given free first aid kits as part of the kit-bags at the start of the season.
- Coaching Kit: All HTYFC coaches are easily identifiable by their green coaching kit.
- Venues: Wherever possible we ensure our teams are training and playing at the best (3G) venues in the town, that are also equipped with AED devices.
- Additional AED devices: Through fundraising and contributions from the club we have additionally funded two static AED devices at training venues in the town.
- Welfare Officer: We have a dedicated team in place, lead by Callum Ellis, who look after child welfare and are always available should any players, parents or coaches have any concerns.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY & PROCEDURES (2025-26)
FA CODES OF CONDUCT
Coaches, Managers & Officials
Coaches, Managers & Officials
Coaches, Managers & Officials
Spectators & Parents
Coaches, Managers & Officials
Coaches, Managers & Officials
Young Players
Coaches, Managers & Officials
Young Players
FURTHER INFORMATION AND HELP
CONTACT OUR FA COUNTY WELFARE OFFICER
We would advise all persons to contact Callum in the first instance, however if you can't get hold of him, or if the matter is urgent you can contact Gemma Chaffey, CFA Welfare Officer directly on 01462 650215 / 07538 990836 / safeguarding@hertfordshirefa.com
CONTACT THE FA's CENTRAL SAFEGUARDING TEAM
Contact The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863 or Safeguarding@TheFA.com
CONTACT THE NSPCC 24-HOUR HELPLINE
Need to speak to someone - you can call the NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 or text 88858 or emailhelp@nspcc.org.uk
HERTFORDSHIRE SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN PARTNERSHIP
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership: Tel – 0300 123 4043 or use this page to report a concern - Report concerns about a child or request support | Hertfordshire County Council
HERTFORDSHIRE SAFEGUARDING ADULTS BOARD
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board: Tel – 0300 1234042 or use this link to report a concern - Report a concern about an adult | Hertfordshire County Council
THE POLICE
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, ALWAYS call 999.