Thunderbolts Futsal Academy
Safeguarding, Welfare & Safety Policy
Last Updated: March 2026
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and positive
environment where children can participate in futsal activities while being protected from
harm, abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions.
The welfare and safety of every child attending Thunderbolts Futsal Academy is our highest
priority.
This policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities in place to safeguard participants and
maintain safe training environments.
1. Policy Commitment
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy is committed to:
• Protecting the welfare and wellbeing of all children
• Providing a safe environment for sports participation
• Promoting respect, fairness, and inclusion
• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Ensuring appropriate professional boundaries between adults and children
All coaches, parents, and participants must respect and support this policy.
2. Definition of a Child
For safeguarding purposes, a child is defined as any person under the age of 18.
3. Responsibilities
Academy Responsibilities
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy will:
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture
• Maintain safe training environments
• Ensure sessions are delivered responsibly
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
Coaches Responsibilities
All coaches must:
• Treat all players with respect and fairness
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Ensure sessions are conducted safely
• Act as positive role models
Coaches must never engage in behaviour that could be interpreted as inappropriate or unsafe.
Parents and Guardians Responsibilities
Parents and guardians must:
• Provide accurate registration information
• Inform the academy of any medical conditions or allergies
• Ensure children follow safety rules during sessions
• Respect the academy’s safeguarding procedures
4. Safe Training Environment
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy aims to ensure that training sessions take place in safe
conditions.
Before sessions begin, reasonable checks may be made to ensure:
• The playing surface is safe
• Equipment is suitable and in good condition
• The environment is free from hazards
Players must follow safety instructions provided by coaches.
5. Equipment and Clothing Safety
Participants must wear appropriate sports clothing including:
• Indoor football trainers or futsal shoes
• Shin pads
• Suitable sportswear
Players should also bring a water bottle to remain hydrated during sessions.
6. Nut-Free Environment
To protect players who may have severe allergies, Thunderbolts Futsal Academy operates a
strict nut-free environment.
The following are not permitted at any academy sessions:
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Any food products containing nut ingredients
Parents and players must ensure that no nut products are brought to training sessions.
This rule is in place to protect children who may have serious or life-threatening nut
allergies.
Anyone bringing nut products may be asked to remove them from the venue.
7. Toilet Facilities
To maintain appropriate safeguarding boundaries:
• Players should use toilet facilities independently where possible
• Coaches and staff will not accompany children into toilet areas
• Players should inform a coach before leaving the training area to use the toilet
Coaches may monitor players leaving and returning to the session area for safety purposes
but will not enter toilet facilities.
Parents or guardians remain responsible for assisting their child with toilet needs if required.
Younger children who may need assistance should have a parent or guardian remain nearby
during the session.
8. Changing Facilities
Where changing facilities are available at the venue:
• Players should change independently
• Coaches and staff will not enter changing rooms while children are changing
Parents may assist younger children if necessary.
These measures are designed to protect the safety and dignity of participants and maintain
appropriate professional boundaries.
9. One-to-One Contact Policy
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy aims to avoid situations where an adult is alone with a child.
Where possible:
• Sessions will take place in group environments
• Coaches will not conduct private one-to-one interactions with players
• If communication with a player is required, it should occur within sight of others
This policy helps protect both children and coaches.
10. Bullying and Behaviour
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy has a zero-tolerance approach to:
• Bullying
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Abusive or threatening behaviour
Players who engage in unsafe or disruptive behaviour may be asked to leave the session.
11. Injuries and First Aid
Thunderbolts Futsal Academy will ensure that:
• A basic first aid kit is available during sessions
• Minor injuries may be treated with basic first aid
If a player is injured:
1. The activity may be paused
2. The player will be assessed
3. Parents or guardians will be informed where appropriate
Parents must inform the academy of any medical conditions or injuries that may affect
participation.
12. Emergency Situations
In serious situations such as:
• Severe injury
• Breathing difficulties
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious allergic reaction
Emergency services will be contacted immediately.
In the United Kingdom, emergency services can be contacted by calling 999.
Parents or guardians will be informed as soon as possible.
13. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Any safeguarding concerns regarding the welfare of a child will be taken seriously.
Concerns may be reported to appropriate safeguarding organisations such as the NSPCC if
necessary.
Information will be handled confidentially and shared only where necessary to protect the
child involved.
14. Photography and Media
Photos or videos may occasionally be taken during sessions for promotional purposes.
This will only occur with parental consent.
Parents or guardians may request that their child not appear in photos or videos.
15. Policy Review
This Safeguarding and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains
effective and up to date.
16. Agreement
By registering a child with Thunderbolts Futsal Academy, parents or guardians acknowledge
that they have read and understood this Safeguarding and Safety Policy.