Leixlip United in accordance with Football Association of Ireland requirements, the Cub’s Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy and as per Children First Act 2015 we have agreed this Child Safeguarding Statement (CSS) which is binding on all members of the club. Leixlip United provides sporting activities and opportunities for children and young people through participation in our club’s programmes, activities and events. Leixlip United offers sporting activities to children and young people from the age of three years old. Leixlip United is committed to safeguarding children and by working under the guidance of our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, our staff, both volunteers and employees working with our children and young people, throughout the club, seek to create a safe and fun environment for children and young people to participate in their sport.

Principles to Safeguard Children from Harm 

This statement recognises that in accordance with Children First Act 2015 and the requirements of our Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. Leixlip United endorses and upholds the following core principles: 

• Importance of childhood - The importance of childhood should be understood and valued by everyone involved in Leixlip United. 

• Requirements of the child - All children’s experiences should be guided by what is best for the child. This means that adults should have a basic understanding of the emotional, physical and personal requirements of children and young people.

• Integrity in relationships - Everyone interacting with children on behalf of Leixlip United are in a position of trust and influence. They should always ensure that children are treated with integrity and respect, and the self-esteem of children and young people is enhanced.

• Fair Play - All Leixlip United activities should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. The principles of fair play in Leixlip United should always be emphasised. Everyone organising, managing and spectating children’s games/training sessions/activities/events must adhere to our guidelines regarding acceptable standards of behaviour.

• Quality atmosphere & ethos - Children’s matches/training sessions/activities/events must be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.

• Competition – Competition in Leixlip United is an essential element of sport and should be encouraged in an age appropriate manner. A child centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.

• Equality – All children and young people should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, gender, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. 

These principles underpin our rules, policies and procedures to ensure that when children and young people participating in our activities, they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Risk Assessment: 

In preparing this statement Leixlip United has completed a risk assessment of the potential risk of harm to children when they are participating in any of our games, training sessions 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 12/09/2019. The table below lists the area of risk identified and the list of procedures and policies for managing these risks.

Areas of Risk

Procedure in place to manage identified risk

1

Recruitment and selection

Recruitment Policy and Procedures 

Garda Vetting is mandatory for all relevant personnel

2

Induction and training of personnel working with children

Induction procedure ensuring all personnel know their roles and responsibilities.

Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff and volunteers.

3

Safeguarding awareness among all personnel

Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff and volunteers.

Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy, 

Code of Conduct

4

Communications

Implementation of safeguarding policies, standards and protocols to all key stakeholders

Photography Policy in place

5

Complaints

Procedures for reporting and responding to complaints is contained in the Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy

Training of all personnel to respond to complaints

6

Reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns

Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy providing protocol for reporting concerns.

Sharing of information and collaboration with statutory agencies stipulated in the policy.

Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy and the Child Safeguarding Statement communicated to all personnel.

7

Ensuring Safe Activities

Code of Conduct in place setting out the requirements for working with children including ratios, gender balance, trips and travel, accommodation, use of facilities etc.

Communication processes in place ensuring all personnel are informed of their responsibilities when working with children.

Leixlip United 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

Leixlip United recognise 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 on 21/09/2021 or as soon as practicable after there has been material change in any matter to which the statement refers. 

This statement has been published on the Leixlip United website www.leixlipunited.com and displayed in a prominent place on the premises. It has been provided to all staff, volunteers and any other persons involved with the Club. 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. 

For further information on this Child Safeguarding Statement please contact Brian Sweeney at 0857699917 or brianlsweeney@icloud.com. 

Leixlip United Club Chairman

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