Avondale United FC in accordance with the FAI Rulebook, FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy, other FAI policies, procedures and our legislative requirements have agreed this Child Safeguarding Statement which is binding on all members.
Avondale United FC is a FootBall Club operating on a Local scale Providing sporting activities and opportunities for children and young people through participation in clubs. The Clubs (offers sporting activities to children and young people from the age of 5 School age). Club) recruits over 100 volunteers with over 900 participants.  Our Club is committed to safeguarding children and by working under the guidance of our Safeguarding Policies and procedures, our staff, both volunteers and employed working with our children and young people, throughout the Association, seek to create a safe and fun environment for children and young people to participate in their sport.

Principles to Safeguard Children from Harm
This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and the requirements of FAI Rulebook, FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy, other FAI policies and procedures that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. Avondale United is established on a number of core principles:- the needs of the Child, integrity and respect, environment, equality, fair play, welfare and safety in football. These underlying principles underpin our rules, policies, and procedures to ensure that when children participate in our activities, they do so in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Risk Assessment
In preparing this statement Avondale United have completed a Risk Assessment of the potential risk of harm to children when they are participating in any of our games and attending our activities. The risks were reviewed under the following headings; Club and Coaching Practices; Complaints & Discipline; Reporting Procedures; Use of Facilities; Recruitment; Communications; and General Risk of Harm. The Risk Assessment was undertaken in 2023 The table below lists the area of Risk identified and the list of procedures and policies for managing these risks

 

     

 All procedures/policies listed are available on request. FAI Policies and the FAI Rulebook are available on www.fai.ie/domestic www.AvondaleUnited.com

 The Mandated person for Avondale United FC in 2024 is Kirsten Pakes of the FAI and the Certified Designated Liaison person for the club Avondale United FC in 2024 is ChairWoman Mags Cronin, Deputy Liaison is Joe Plunkett, Vice Chair. Our Child Safe Office is Richard Haugh.

 Avondale United FC recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Our Club is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying child welfare and safeguarding policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while participating in our activities. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed During 2026 or as soon as practicable after there has been material change in any matter to which the statement refers. This statement has been published on Avondale United FC website; www.Avondaleunited.com and will be displayed in a prominent place on the premises, which will be the New Dressing rooms currently being Built

It has been provided to all staff, volunteers and any other persons involved with the service. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla and members of the public if requested