FIFA launches child safeguarding programme and toolkit

FIFA launches child safeguarding programme and toolkit

FIFA Guardians™ is a new major initiative help member associations and confederations around the world introduce stronger child safeguarding measures in football.

On 10 July, FIFA launched a new dedicated programme and toolkit – FIFA Guardians™ – designed to enhance child safeguarding standards within football. Developed by FIFA together with its Child Safeguarding Expert Working Group, including representatives from the Council of Europe and UNICEF, this new initiative aims at providing practical guidance to support the 211 FIFA member associations in reviewing their existing safeguarding measures, to help prevent any risk of harm to children in football, and to appropriately respond if concerns arise.

Containing practical guidance and support materials, the new online toolkit is based on five principles and five steps that are underpinned by recognised international standards and best practice in child safeguarding across sports. The FIFA Guardians toolkit is also based on the premise that keeping children safe from harm is “Up to all of Us”, no matter the country we are from or the role we hold in football.

“Today’s launch is a landmark step for FIFA and the world of football in general, and I am confident that the FIFA Guardians programme will help to mobilise action and guide our 211 member associations around the world in reviewing and implementing their own safeguarding measures to keep children safe in football. FIFA believes this to be every child’s right”, said FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura. Joyce Cook, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, added: “We will be rolling out the FIFA Guardians programme over the coming months, starting with a series of workshops and training modules to help address the needs of our members, as well as assisting them in developing partnerships with expert agencies and statutory authorities on the ground.”

Download the toolkit here.