Club and League Welfare Officers can stay up-to-date with the latest topical news and information at the Essex County FA Safeguarding Conference on Wednesday 24th April from 6:30-9:20pm at Channels in Little Waltham, Chelmsford.

Following a three-year break, we're excited to welcome the return of the conference, which has previously provided an excellent opportunity to share, and advise on, the latest key messages within safeguarding in football. The conference is also a chance to recognise the tremendous efforts of the volunteer Welfare Officer workforce.

Representatives from the Essex County FA Youth Council will be present, providing a younger-person’s perspective. In addition, the ever-engaging and informative ‘2 Johns’ from eSafety Training will be key speakers, sharing important insights. This conference will offer an update on safeguarding for 2024 and, heading into the yearly affiliation process, new requirements for 16 and 17-year-olds playing in open-age football will be covered.

Post-Covid-19, mental health has become an increasingly major topic for children and young people, and football is vital to provide an environment where everyday anxieties can be paused for a short time to play sport with friends. In support of this, the County FA are working alongside Kooth, an independent agency providing mental health support. The conference will cover this important topic, as well as the matchday environment.

Essex County FA Safeguarding Manager, Helen Hever, is looking forward to meeting Welfare Officers in-person, explaining: “The safeguarding agenda continues to evolve, and education and courses are reviewed and edited to enable the latest messages to be shared. I hope everyone will be able to join us for what will be an enjoyable evening.”

Please follow this link to register your attendance. Car parking and refreshments will be available at Channels, which is located at Pratt's Farm Lane, Little Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3PT. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Helen Hever via E-Mail at helen.hever@essexfa.com or Emily Reece via emily.reece@essexfa.com.