Does our club have to have a Welfare Officer, and what must they complete?
Rule- England
- England Football
- The FA
- Safeguarding
- Youth football
- FA Safeguarding Children Regulations
- 2026/27
- Club Welfare Officers
- Under 18
Yes. Every club and league that runs under-18 teams must have a Welfare Officer (FA Guidance Note 5.1). Before and after appointment, the Welfare Officer must:
- Be at least 18.
- Hold an FA Accepted DBS Enhanced Check with Children's Barred List. The Welfare Officer's own check is arranged through the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
- Complete Safeguarding for Committee Members (free, online) before appointment.
- Complete the Welfare Officer Course, a mandatory two-hour virtual classroom course. Attendees are expected to hold an accepted FA DBS check less than three years old.
- Sign up to and follow the Welfare Officer Code of Conduct.
The role (Guidance Note 5.3) includes making sure:
- the club has a safeguarding children policy, an anti-bullying policy and an equality policy;
- everyone in a DBS-eligible role has an in-date FA DBS check, tracked through the Club Portal;
- officials, players and parents know who the Welfare Officer is;
- recruitment includes taking up references;
- concerns are reported swiftly using The FA's referral form, with advice from the County FA DSO;
- safeguarding is a regular item at committee meetings, and committee members complete their safeguarding course.
Your County FA DSO is your first point of contact for advice.
Added 21 Oct 2026