Club Statement
Here at SMSC and Westside, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of coaching and care for your children.
Every member of our coaching team is FA qualified and has DBS certification. Whenever we welcome a new member onto our coaching team, we ensure that - alongside meeting the aforementioned criteria - they are fully trained in safeguarding practices and first aid. Our coaches also undergo regular refresher courses to ensure their training never becomes outdated.
We pride ourselves on a commitment to equality and fairness. We never discriminate on gender, race or culture, and take any accusations or actions of this nature very seriously. Our aim is not only to help develop the children under our care as footballers but also as people. We provide a safe and inclusive environment where children can develop their social and communication skills.
Code of Conduct
![respect-code-of-conduct---parents[6].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fb526a_adfb081f7a0045ca84cc4f71bcb8dbc1~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_595,h_841,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/respect-code-of-conduct---parents%5B6%5D.png)
Safeguarding
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility at Westside FC and SMSC. Our safeguarding policy follows The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and was adopted in September 2026 (next review September 2027).
Who to contact
Westside FC Club Welfare Officer and Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jane Walters, via westside@seanmcinnessportscoaching.com
SMSC Designated Safeguarding Lead (supports Westside): Alison Reid, via office@seanmcinnessportscoaching.com
If you are worried about a child
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, tell Jane Walters the same day, or Alison Reid if Jane cannot be reached. If neither can be reached and the matter cannot wait, contact Merton Children and Families Hub on 020 8545 4226 (out of hours 020 8770 5000), the Surrey FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
If a child tells you something: stay calm and listen, reassure them they were right to tell you, don’t ask leading questions, never promise to keep it secret, and write down what was said in their own words as soon as possible.
How we keep children safe
Every coach and team manager holds an up-to-date DBS check and has completed safeguarding and first aid training, with regular refreshers. A qualified first aider is at every venue. Players arrive and leave changed and do not use venue changing rooms. Photos and videos are only taken with parental consent, collected through our booking system.
We pride ourselves on a commitment to equality and fairness. We never discriminate on gender, race or culture, and take any accusations or actions of this nature very seriously. Our aim is not only to help develop the children under our care as footballers but also as people.
A full copy of the policy is available on request from westside@seanmcinnessportscoaching.com.