Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Pangea Football is committed to creating safe, respectful environments for all players, especially children and young people.

This policy explains how we approach safeguarding, supervision, and reporting.

1. Our Safeguarding Commitment

We aim to ensure that every child:

• Is treated with respect and dignity
• Is safe from harm, abuse, bullying and exploitation
• Has an environment where concerns can be raised and acted on

We take a welfare-first approach: performance never comes before wellbeing.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Pangea Football staff, volunteers and contractors
• Partner organisations working with us during official activities
• All events: training, tournaments, tours, fixtures, accommodation periods (where supervised)

3. Key Safeguarding Roles

Safeguarding Lead (Primary Contact): Eder Ruiz

• Email: safeguarding@pangeafootball.com
• Phone/WhatsApp: +34 607 47 24 34

On-Tour Welfare Contact: Delano Stewart-Jones

Parents/guardians and players will be told who the safeguarding contact is for each programme/tour.

4. Safer Recruitment and Conduct Standards

We aim to work only with staff/partners who meet appropriate standards. Depending on role and location, this may include:

• Identity verification
• Reference checks
• Safeguarding expectations and code of conduct
• Where legally required and applicable, background checks (e.g., DBS in the UK)

We do not state that every partner has a specific certification unless verified. Where we cannot directly control a third party, we use clear expectations and minimise risk through supervision and reporting routes.

5. Code of Conduct (Staff and Adults)

Adults working with players must:

• Act professionally and respectfully
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible; where unavoidable, ensure transparency and appropriate safeguarding measures
• Never use humiliating, threatening or degrading language
• Never engage in any sexualised behaviour, comments, or relationships with under-18s
• Avoid private messaging with players (under 18) except through parents/guardians or official group channels, where possible

6. Anti-Bullying and Behaviour Standards (Players)

We do not tolerate:

• Bullying, intimidation, harassment
• Discrimination (race, nationality, gender, religion, disability, sexuality)
• Hazing/initiation rituals
• Threats or violence

If concerns arise, we will take action that may include supervision changes, behaviour plans, parent meetings, or removal from activities for serious cases.

7. Supervision on Tours and Events

For tours, we will communicate clearly:

• Activity schedules and supervision windows
• Curfew rules
• Accommodation supervision approach
• Check-in/out procedures
• Permitted free time and boundaries

Improvement measures we adopt:

• Daily headcounts (morning + evening)
• A written curfew and room-check routine
• A clear "buddy system" during free time
• One designated welfare point of contact reachable 24/7 during tour dates
• A clear rule that players must not leave approved areas without permission

8. Medical, Allergies and Emergencies

Parents/guardians must disclose:

• Allergies, medication needs, injuries, and relevant medical history
• Emergency contact details

We will:

• Keep emergency details accessible to relevant tour staff
• Follow parent instructions where possible
• Contact emergency services when needed
• Contact parents/guardians as soon as reasonably possible

9. Photography and Video (Child Safety)

We may take media for memories and promotion only with appropriate consent. We will:

• Avoid publishing sensitive identifying details (e.g., hotel location, room numbers)
• Respect withdrawals of consent
• Never use images in ways that put a child at risk

10. Reporting a Concern

We encourage players and parents to report any concern immediately.

You can report:

• To the Safeguarding Lead (Eder Ruiz)
• To an on-site coach/coordinator who must pass it on
• Directly to local emergency services if urgent

We treat concerns seriously and will:

• Listen and record facts
• Act quickly to protect the child
• Refer to relevant authorities where required (police/social services)
• Keep confidentiality as far as possible (sharing only on a need-to-know basis)

11. Allegations Against Staff or Adults

If an allegation involves a staff member, we will:

• Prioritise immediate safety
• Remove the person from duties while reviewing the matter (where appropriate)
• Notify parents/guardians
• Refer to external authorities where necessary
• Keep appropriate records

12. Online Safety and Communication

We recommend communications involving minors happen via:

• Parents/guardians, or
• Official channels/group communications where parents are included

Players should not be asked to share private personal information online.

13. Policy Review

We review safeguarding procedures after each tour/event and update improvements for future programmes.

Contact

Safeguarding Lead: Eder Ruiz
Email: safeguarding@pangeafootball.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +34 607 47 24 34