Safeguarding

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Braveheart Ballers, the safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment where children can enjoy football, develop confidence, and feel respected at all times.

Safeguarding is not an add‑on to what we do — it is built into the foundations of Braveheart Ballers.

Our Safeguarding Principles

Braveheart Ballers operates under the following core safeguarding principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• All children have the right to be safe, heard, and respected

• All concerns are taken seriously and acted upon appropriately

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

We work to ensure that every child is protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and inappropriate behaviour, both on and off the pitch.

Safe Environment

We are committed to providing a safe and structured environment for all participants by:

• Delivering sessions that are age‑appropriate, planned, and supervised

• Maintaining clear boundaries between coaches and players

• Ensuring behaviour standards are clear, consistent, and enforced

• Promoting respect, inclusion, and positive conduct at all times

Braveheart Ballers does not tolerate bullying, discrimination, harassment, or abusive behaviour of any kind

Coaches & Volunteers

All coaches and volunteers involved with Braveheart Ballers are expected to:

• Act as positive role models at all times

• Follow a clear Code of Conduct

• Put the welfare of children before performance or results

• Maintain professional boundaries and appropriate behaviour

Appropriate background checks (DBS / PVG, as applicable) and safeguarding awareness are required for anyone working directly with children.

Training & Awareness

Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility. Braveheart Ballers is committed to:

• Maintaining up‑to‑date safeguarding knowledge

• Following recognised safeguarding guidance and best practice

• Reviewing safeguarding procedures regularly

This ensures children, parents, and partners can have confidence in how sessions are delivered and managed

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, no matter how small it may seem, will be taken seriously.

Concerns can include:

• A child disclosing something worrying

• Changes in a child’s behaviour

• Inappropriate behaviour by an adult or another child

• Any situation where a child appears at risk

Concerns should be reported immediately and will be handled confidentially and appropriately.

Where necessary, concerns will be escalated to the relevant safeguarding authorities or agencies in line with statutory guidance.

Parents & Carers

We believe safeguarding works best when parents and carers are informed and involved.

Parents are encouraged to:

• Speak openly with us about any concerns

• Ask questions about safeguarding procedures

• Share relevant information that helps us support their child

Transparency and trust are central to how Braveheart Ballers operates.

Photography & Media

Photography or video recording of children will only take place with appropriate parental consent.

Images will be:

• Used respectfully

• Stored securely

• Never used in a way that compromises a child’s dignity or safety

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Braveheart Ballers is committed to building strong foundations — not just in football development, but in safeguarding and child protection.

Our safeguarding approach is designed to support long‑term, sustainable success for children, families, and the wider community.

Contact

If you have a safeguarding concern or would like further information about our safeguarding procedures, please contact us directly.

Safeguarding concerns will always be handled with care, confidentiality, and urgency.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and confident.

At Braveheart Ballers, safeguarding comes first.