Liverpool County FA hosted its second Introduction to Excellence in Safeguarding event on Wednesday 17 October, welcoming Welfare Officers representing clubs within the Warrington Junior Football League for an evening hailed as a worthwhile and informative one by those in attendance.

Teaming up with Safeguarding and Victim Engagement (SAVE) and i7 Solutions, the SAVE Excellence in Safeguarding Standard aims to achieve maximum benefit and protection for young people, parents, carers, vulnerable adults, coaches, volunteers, clubs and committee members.

Held at the Kings Head pub in Warrington, the evening offered Club Welfare Officers the opportunity to meet and network with former professional footballers and SAVE ambassadors, Paul Stewart and David White; exploring the possibility of enhancing respective club status’ and standing with regards to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults engaged with their clubs.

Following moving accounts delivered by both Paul and David, during which you could hear a pin drop in the room, the subsequent question and answer session, and interaction with the 40-plus attendees, ran well beyond the scheduled 9.30pm finish, eventually ending just after 10.00pm.

Gordon Johnson, Designated Safeguarding Officer at Liverpool FA, said: “I can’t speak highly enough of the services SAVE are offering our grassroots junior football clubs, with the reception and feedback we’re already getting from clubs in attendance of our events nothing but positive.”

Helen Atkinson, Club Welfare Officer for Crosfields Junior Football Club, added: “It was a great evening and I’m thankful to all parties for organising it. It’s certainly given Crosfields JFC a lot to think about.”

For more information about Excellence in Safeguarding, or safeguarding and welfare across Merseyside grassroots football in general, please contact Gordon Johnson via gordon.johnson@liverpoolfa.com or 0151 523 4488.