Governance & Safeguarding Hub

Mission

On The Ball Academy Glasgow is committed to providing young footballers in Glasgow with a safe, fun, energetic and high-quality environment where they can improve their footballing skills, grow in confidence, and develop both on and off the pitch. As a community-based club, our mission is to use football as a vehicle for positive change among children, young people, families and the wider local community. We are passionate about providing children of all backgrounds and ages with opportunities to learn, develop and enjoy the game.

Vision

Our vision is to become the most innovative and impactful social business in West Scotland, recognised for excellence in sports and community development. We aim to build stronger, healthier and more connected communities through football, while creating a player development environment that gives every child the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

HAATS Values

We expect our players to be:

• Courteous and respectful
• Punctual and polite
• Hardworking and good team players

OTB Academy is open to all and committed to excellence.

Academy Philosophy

Our development philosophy is player-centred, inclusive and excellence-driven. We believe the best young players improve through individual practice, structured coaching, confidence-building, decision-making and game-realistic learning. We use a structured approach to help players become “game ready” footballers who can think, adapt and perform under pressure.

• Defined playing identity and position-specific development
• Repetition with realism and decision-led coaching
• Purposeful possession and bravery on the ball
• Strong technical foundations and character development
• Respect for others and enjoyment of the game
• We do not simply coach drills - we develop footballers who can think, combine, lead and represent themselves, their families and the academy with pride

Every child has the right to

• Feel safe and be protected from harm
• Be respected and listened to
• Enjoy football in a positive environment
• Develop free from discrimination, abuse, bullying, or exploitation

Policy framework - this policy aligns with

• Scottish FA Wellbeing & Protection Framework
• Scottish Youth FA standards
• sportscotland safeguarding guidance
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme

Scope - this policy applies to

OTB Academy will

• Prioritise the wellbeing of children at all times
• Promote positive behaviour and respect
• Recruit safely and responsibly
• Ensure all staff complete safeguarding training
• Ensure all relevant personnel hold PVG membership
• Ensure all coaches maintain valid first aid certification
• Respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures
• Create an inclusive and respectful environment
• Work in partnership with parents and carers
• Ensure children know how to raise concerns

Confidentiality

Information regarding safeguarding concerns will only be shared on a need-to-know basis. OTB Academy recognises that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where a child may be at risk of harm.

2.1 Coaches & Volunteers - must

• Place the wellbeing of children first in all circumstances
• Treat all participants fairly and with respect
• Promote inclusion and positive behaviour
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Never engage in bullying, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive behaviour
• Use appropriate language at all times
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible
• Never communicate with children through private or inappropriate channels
• Follow all safeguarding procedures
• Hold valid PVG membership where required
• Complete mandatory safeguarding training
• Maintain valid first aid qualifications
• Report any concerns immediately to the CWPO

Coaches & Volunteers - must never

• Engage in inappropriate physical contact
• Use degrading punishment or humiliation
• Form inappropriate relationships with participants
• Share inappropriate content online
• Consume alcohol or drugs while responsible for children

Failure to follow this code may result in disciplinary action. All coaches at OTB Academy are required to hold valid PVG membership and first aid certification. The academy currently includes coaches qualified up to UEFA A Licence level.

2.2 Players - are expected to

• Show respect to teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents
• Behave positively on and off the pitch
• Avoid bullying or discrimination of any kind
• Try their best and attend regularly
• Respect facilities and equipment
• Follow instructions from coaches and staff
• Use social media responsibly
• Represent OTB Academy positively

Players - must never

• Bully or intimidate others
• Use discriminatory language
• Engage in violent or dangerous behaviour
• Damage property

2.3 Parents & Carers - are expected to

• Encourage positive participation
• Support all players respectfully
• Avoid coaching from the sidelines
• Respect coaches, officials, and volunteers
• Communicate concerns appropriately
• Avoid abusive or aggressive behaviour
• Support safeguarding standards
• Use social media responsibly

Parents & Carers - must never

• Verbally abuse players, officials, or coaches
• Engage in threatening behaviour
• Pressure children excessively
• Post abusive or harmful online content

The CWPO is responsible for

• Managing safeguarding concerns
• Supporting safe recruitment
• Promoting wellbeing and child protection
• Ensuring safeguarding compliance
• Supporting coaches, players, and parents
• Liaising with statutory agencies where required

Alternative Emergency Contacts

What to do if you have a concern

1. 1Stay calm
2. 2Listen carefully
3. 3Do not promise confidentiality
4. 4Record facts accurately
5. 5Report immediately to the CWPO

Do NOT

• Investigate yourself or ask leading questions
• Delay reporting
• Confront alleged individuals directly
• Promise confidentiality to the child

Recording Concerns - reports should include

• Date and time of the incident or disclosure
• Factual observations (not opinions)
• Names of those involved
• Actions taken
• Witness details

All records will be stored securely.

We oppose discrimination on the basis of

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Socio-economic background

OTB Academy will

• Promote equal opportunities
• Challenge discrimination
• Support accessibility and inclusion
• Create a welcoming environment
• Encourage participation from diverse communities
• Ensure fair treatment for all participants

Reporting Discrimination

Any discriminatory behaviour should be reported immediately to the CWPO or senior leadership. All concerns will be investigated appropriately.

Informal Resolution

Where appropriate, concerns should first be raised informally with the relevant coach or staff member.

Formal Complaints

Submit in writing to: opsmanager@ontheballacademy.co.uk

Complaints should include:

• Your name and contact details
• Details of the concern
• Relevant dates and times
• Your desired outcome

Process

1. 1Complaint acknowledged within 5 working days
2. 2Investigation conducted
3. 3Outcome communicated in writing
4. 4Appeals process available

Information we collect

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
• Emergency contacts
• Medical information
• Attendance information
• Safeguarding records
• Photographs and videos (with consent)

Why we collect data

• To manage participation
• To ensure safeguarding and welfare
• To communicate with families
• To organise sessions and events
• To meet legal obligations
• To monitor participation and development

Data security

OTB Academy stores personal information securely and restricts access to authorised personnel only.

Data sharing

Information may be shared where legally required, including:

• Safeguarding concerns
• Governing body requirements
• Emergency services
• Statutory agencies

Photography & Media

OTB Academy may use photographs and videos for social media, website promotion, and marketing materials. Consent will be requested where appropriate.

Parents and carers may opt out at any time.

Your rights

• Access your data or request corrections
• Request deletion where appropriate
• Object to processing
• Lodge complaints with the ICO