PARENTS + VOLUNTEERS

As a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), Dulwich Village FC is a non-profit, member-led organization dedicated to providing affordable football for all.

Our community thrives on the commitment of our volunteers, whose vital support ensures we remain a sustainable local asset.

To maintain a positive environment, all members must strictly adhere to our Respect Codes of Conduct, while our robust Safeguarding Policy - aligned with The FA’s highest standards - guarantees that the welfare and safety of every young player remain our paramount consideration.

To ensure a consistent culture across the club, these Codes of Conduct should be distributed to every member at the start of the season. They are based on The FA’s Respect Programme and are designed to support the Safeguarding Policy by setting clear behavioral expectations.

1. Code of Conduct: Parents and Spectators

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behavior in the game. As a parent/spectator for Dulwich Village FC, you play a vital role in your child's enjoyment and development.

I will:

Remember that children play for FUN. They are not playing for my entertainment or to satisfy my ambitions.

Applaud effort and good play as well as success, for both our team and the opposition.

Stay behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided).

Respect the Referee’s decisions—even when I disagree with them. I will never shout at or insult an official.

Let the coaches do their job. I will not shout instructions from the sidelines, as this confuses the players.

Encourage the players to settle disputes without resorting to hostility or violence.

Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behavior towards anyone.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, action may be taken by the Club, League, or County FA, which may include being asked to leave the sidelines or a ban from future matches.

2. Code of Conduct: Young Players

At Dulwich Village FC, we want you to develop your skills, make friends, and enjoy the game. To make this happen, we ask you to follow these rules.

When playing for Dulwich Village FC, I will:

Always do my best, regardless of the score or the weather.

Play fairly. I won’t cheat, complain, or waste time.

Respect my teammates and my coaches. I will listen when my coach is talking and help my teammates if they make a mistake.

Respect the Referee. I will not argue with them. If I disagree, I will let my captain or coach talk to them.

Shake hands with the other team and the referee at the end of every game, win or lose.

Never use bad language or bully anyone (in person or online).

Tell an adult I trust (like my coach or the Club Welfare Officer) if I am unhappy or if I see someone else being treated unkindly.

3. Code of Conduct: Coaches and Officials

As a leader at Dulwich Village FC, you are a role model. You must set a positive example at all times.

I will:

Prioritize the safety and well-being of the children above all else, including winning.

Be inclusive. I will ensure all players get a fair amount of playing time and feel valued.

Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, and spectators.

Adhere to the laws of the game.

Never use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Maintain a professional relationship with players and follow the club's Social Media and Communication policy (e.g., no 1-to-1 messaging with minors).

Keep my coaching qualifications and DBS checks up to date.
This safeguarding policy is designed to align with The Football Association’s (The FA) Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures. As a grassroots club, Dulwich Village FC has a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in its activities.

1. Core Principles

Dulwich Village FC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care. We are committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members.

The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.

All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

2. Key Personnel and Contact Information

The club has designated individuals trained to handle safeguarding concerns.

Club Welfare Officer (CWO)Primary point of contact for all safeguarding matters. Alex Morris: (insert DVFC email)

Assistant Welfare OfficerSupport for the CWO and secondary contact. (who are putting here??)

County FA Designated OfficerOversight at the regional level (London FA).[Insert Contact??

3. Recruitment and Training

To ensure a safe environment, Dulwich Village FC adheres to The FA’s safer recruitment guidelines:

DBS Checks: All coaches, managers, and regular volunteers in "regulated activity" must hold a current, FA-accepted Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Qualifications: All lead coaches must complete the FA Safeguarding Children Course and keep their certification up to date (renewed every three years).

References: The club will take up references for new volunteers who are unknown to the club committee.

4. Reporting Concerns

We acknowledge that it is not the responsibility of club members to decide whether or not abuse has taken place, but it is their responsibility to report any concerns.

How to Report:

Low-level concerns: Report to your team manager or the Club Welfare Officer (CWO).

Serious concerns: Contact the CWO immediately. If they are unavailable, contact the County FA Safeguarding Team or The FA Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@thefa.com.

Immediate Risk: If a child is in immediate danger, call the Police (999) or the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) first, then inform the CWO.

5. Codes of Conduct

All members of Dulwich Village FC - including players, parents, and coaches - are required to sign and abide by the Respect Codes of Conduct.

Coaches: Must prioritise the safety and enjoyment of players over winning at all costs.

Parents: Must provide positive encouragement and refrain from shouting at officials or players.

Players: Must play fairly and respect teammates, opponents, and referees.

6. Anti-Bullying Policy

Dulwich Village FC has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. Bullying includes cyberbullying (via social media or messaging apps), emotional, physical, and discriminatory bullying. We aim to create an environment where players feel safe to "tell" if they are being bullied.

7. Use of Technology and Social Media

Coaches and volunteers should not have private 1-to-1 communication with players via social media or personal messaging.

All group communications (e.g., WhatsApp) must include parents/guardians and at least two DBS-checked club officials.

Photography and filming of children are only permitted with explicit parental consent and must follow FA guidelines on image use.

Note: This policy is a living document and will be reviewed annually by the Club Committee or whenever there are significant changes in FA regulations or government legislation.
Dulwich Village FC is proud to be a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC). This status reflects our commitment to providing affordable, open-access football for the local community. As a non-profit CASC, we do not have paid staff for our day-to-day operations; the club’s success and survival depend entirely on the dedication of our volunteers. By giving your time, you are not just helping a football team - you are helping to sustain a vital community asset that keeps local children active and engaged.

1. Coaching & Team Management

Team Manager: Responsible for the day-to-day logistics of a specific age group. This includes match-day registration and communicating with parents through Teamfeepay, which handles player availability and team messaging.

Coach / Assistant Coach: Planning and delivering weekly training sessions. The club typically supports dedicated volunteers in obtaining their FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification.

Assistant Coach: Supporting the lead coach during drills and providing positive encouragement to the players during matches.

2. Match Day Operations

Match Day Delegate: Ensuring a safe and "Respect" focused environment. You act as the welcoming face for the referee and the opposition team to ensure the FA Code of Conduct is upheld by all spectators.

Refereeing: Providing officiating for home games, particularly for the younger Mini-Soccer age groups (U7–U10).

Pitch Setup Crew: Helping to put up goal nets and layout "Respect" barriers before the morning kick-offs at local venues.

3. Communications & Administration

Age Group Coordinator: Serving as the administrative point of contact for an entire age bracket (e.g., all U11 teams), helping to streamline registrations through the Teamfeepay system.

Sponsorship Officer: Reaching out to local Dulwich businesses to secure shirt sponsorships or funding for club equipment and bursaries.

Social Media Assistant: Celebrating player achievements and sharing club news across Instagram and other social platforms.

4. Kit, Equipment & Events

This area is vital for the club's logistics, sustainability, and community spirit.

Kit Ordering Coordinator: Managing the relationship with the club’s kit supplier. You will collate team requirements and oversee bulk orders to ensure every player has the correct match kit.

Second-Hand Kit Coordination: Leading the club's sustainability efforts by managing the "kit exchange." This involves collecting outgrown boots and kits and organizing "pop-up" exchange days to help families reduce costs and waste.

Annual Fun Day Organiser: Leading the planning for the club’s major end-of-season celebration. This includes coordinating trophies and awards, catering, and entertainment to bring the whole DVFC community together.

Inventory Manager: Conducting seasonal audits of training equipment (balls, bibs, cones) and distributing replacements to coaches.

5. Welfare & Safety

Assistant Welfare Officer: Supporting the Club Welfare Officer in tracking DBS checks and ensuring the club remains a safe, compliant environment in line with FA regulations.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in any of these roles, please use the following steps:

Contact the Club Secretary: Send an expression of interest directly to secretary@dulwichvillagefc.co.uk.

Detail your skills: Let us know if you have a specific interest in one of the roles above or professional skills (e.g., event planning, retail, or admin) you'd like to contribute.

Teamfeepay registration: Once you are on-boarded as a volunteer, you will be added to the Teamfeepay platform to manage your specific team or administrative duties.