Safeguarding at Glaslough Villa FC
At Glaslough Villa FC the welfare and protection of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all who participate in our activities—whether as players, parents, volunteers, or supporters.
We uphold and implement the principles of:
- Children First Act 2015
- Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
- Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Safeguarding Policies
- Our own club codes of conduct and values
Our safeguarding approach includes:
- Clear child protection policies
- Trained and vetted coaches and volunteers
- Named safeguarding contacts
- Accessible reporting procedures
- Promotion of respect, inclusion, and positive behaviour at all levels of the club
Safeguarding is not the job of one person—it is a shared duty. Everyone has a role to play in keeping children and young people safe and feeling valued.
- Be listened to, respected, and believed
- Enjoy their sport in a safe, supportive environment
- Be protected from harm, bullying, discrimination, and abuse
- Be involved in decisions that affect them
- Know how to report concerns and feel confident doing so
- Expect a safe, inclusive environment for their child
- Receive clear information about club policies and safeguarding procedures
- Have any concern responded to promptly, respectfully, and in confidence
- Be treated with respect by all club personnel
- Encourage fair play and positive support from the sidelines
- Be familiar with the club’s safeguarding policies and reporting structures
- Ensure their child arrives on time and is collected promptly
- Communicate openly with coaches about any relevant health, welfare, or personal concerns
- Complete FAI Safeguarding training and Garda vetting
- Treat every child with respect, fairness, and encouragement
- Create a child-centred coaching environment
- Never engage in or tolerate bullying, humiliation, or abuse
- Know how to recognise and report a concern appropriately
- Respect the rights and dignity of all participants
- Follow club codes of conduct
- Report concerns to a designated contact in the club
- Promote the values of sport: fun, inclusion, effort, and teamwork
We have appointed the following officer to ensure safeguarding is actively managed:
Designated Liaison Person (DLP):
Responsible for dealing with child protection concerns and liaising with Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána.
Name: Paul Oliphant
Email: info@glasloughvilla.ie
Phone: +353 87 276 0228
Responsible for dealing with child protection concerns and liaising with Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána.
Name: Paul Oliphant
Email: info@glasloughvilla.ie
Phone: +353 87 276 0228
Reporting a Concern
If you are worried about a child’s safety or well-being, you should:
- Contact the DLP
- If urgent, contact Tusla Child and Family Agency or An Garda Síochána
All concerns are handled in confidence and in line with national guidance.
- All adults working with children in the club are Garda Vetted
- Coaches and volunteers complete FAI Safeguarding 1 training
- Additional training is promoted where appropriate
- Our safeguarding policies and codes of conduct are available upon request
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Players, parents, volunteers, coaches, and spectators all have a part to play in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
We ask all members to familiarise themselves with our safeguarding policies and to help us uphold the highest standards of behaviour both on and off the pitch.
At Glaslough Villa FC, safeguarding is not a checkbox—it is a culture.
Together, we protect. Together, we grow.
Glaslough Villa FC
Founded 1990