If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For a non-emergency police report, call 101. Do not use the website registration form to report an urgent safeguarding concern.
Our commitment
Football Development Academy puts the welfare of children first. Concerns will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and shared only with people who need the information to protect a child or meet a legal responsibility.
Reporting a concern
Joe is the current safeguarding point of contact for Football Development Academy. Email joe.toplass@footballdevelopmentacademy.com with “Safeguarding concern” in the subject. Include only the information needed to explain what happened and how you can be contacted safely.
If the concern is about Joe, or it would be inappropriate to contact the academy, use an independent reporting route below.
How concerns are handled
We will listen without leading questions, make an accurate record, avoid promising secrecy and refer concerns to the appropriate safeguarding or statutory service when needed. Football Development Academy will not attempt to investigate an allegation independently where that could put a child at risk or compromise an official process.
Expected environment
Coaching should be age-appropriate, inclusive and free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, humiliating treatment or unnecessary physical contact. Parents and guardians should receive practical information through appropriate adult communication channels.
Photography and filming
Images or video of children will only be used with clear parent or guardian permission and with regard to the child’s own wishes. No family should feel pressured to agree. Any published material should avoid unnecessary identifying details and be handled in line with the purpose explained when permission is requested.
Review and training
This page will be reviewed alongside the academy’s full operating procedures, staff or volunteer checks, venue arrangements, first-aid planning and reporting contacts before coaching delivery and whenever the service changes.