Responsibility of players to ensure all other players are happy
At a club there are players of all types. Some are shy, some are cocky, some are funny, and some are quiet. For everyone's benefit it is important that each player is happy, whoever they are. Make sure you are friends with everyone in your team. Also try to make friends quickly with new players. If you see someone who looks unhappy or is not talking much, try to talk to them to involve them in the group. Also get to know players in other teams by talking to them and socialising at training, matches or social events. If everyone is happy at the club, we will all do well.

Abuse from peers
Football is a passionate game. We are all trying our hardest to succeed. Sometimes our passions lead us to say things we don't mean. Other times we may make a joke or make fun out of someone. This can sometimes be ok but if repeated on the same person too often can be bullying them. Please think about the feelings of all the players in your team by involving them all and not picking on individuals. If you see someone being picked on, stand up for them if you can. If not, tell your coach, so he/she can help out.

Abuse from older players
Older players have a great deal of power over younger players. They also have the responsibility to look after them. A joke to a 15 year old may not be suitable for a 13 year old to listen to. Also younger children may not be able to take jokes from older boys that older boys can deal with. Therefore, please make sure your language is appropriate to the age you are talking to and be sensitive to the feelings of younger children. They will look up to you so what you say will impact on how they learn and develop. Please look after them.

Be aware of strangers trying to make friends with you
Most adults in football are there because they are generous people trying to help you. It is very important you respect them and thank them for their help. However there are a few adults who are looking to harm children. If you see an adult who shows you or another player special attention that he is not showing to others or shows behaviour that is unusual or you think is wrong, please report it to your coach at the time, or when you get home and contact the Child Welfare Officer. If you see a stranger trying to make friends with you or one of the other players, you should also report this.

One of the cleverest tricks of adults who wish to harm children is to pretend to be a football scout. A real scout should approach your parent or your coach before speaking to you. They should also carry identification. If they don't speak to your parent or coach 1st, you should report him/her to your coach straight away.

Inappropriate contact
If an adult touches you in a private place, or intentionally strikes you then you should tell your coach or another adult. When you get home you should contact the Child Welfare Officer. You should tell someone even if he/she has told you not to or threatens to do bad things to you or withdraws good things.
They are just saying this to stop them getting in trouble.

When you speak to your Child Welfare Officer. What you say will be taken seriously.

Childline offer a free service where you can talk to someone if you have a problem.

ChildLine
45 Folgate Street
London
E1 3GL
Tel 020 7650 3200
Fax 020 7650 3201
www.childline.org.uk
Free national telephone helpline for children 24 hrs 0800 1111