Governance & Safeguarding Hub

Organisation Details

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Organisation Name:  On The Ball Academy Glasgow

Charity Number:  SC051357

Registered Address:  78 Abbey Drive, Glasgow, G14 9JW

Main Contact Number:  07730 469839

Website:  www.ontheballacademyglasgow.co.uk

Founder & CEO:  Ryan Docherty

Governance Oversight:  Trustees / Board

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This document contains the core governance and safeguarding policies recommended for a Scottish grassroots football academy and charity organisation working with children and young people.

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MISSION, VISION, VALUES & ACADEMY PHILOSOPHY

 

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.

 

Values

 

The academy’s values are built around our HAATS ideology:

• Hunger

• Application

• Attitude

• Technique

• Speed

 

These values underpin our expectations of players, coaches and staff.

We expect our players to be:

• courteous

• punctual

• respectful

• polite

• hardworking

• 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.

 

Our methodology focuses on individual development through assessment, planning, delivery and review. We use a structured approach to help players become “game ready” footballers who can think, adapt and perform under pressure.

 

Our coaching environment is based on:

• defined playing identity

• position-specific development

• repetition with realism

• decision-led coaching

• purposeful possession

• bravery on the ball

• strong technical foundations

• character development

• respect for others

• 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.

 

1. CHILD WELLBEING & PROTECTION POLICY

 

1.1 Policy Statement

 

On The Ball Academy (OTB Academy) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children, young people, staff, volunteers, and participants involved in our activities.

We believe that every child has the right to:

• feel safe

• be protected from harm

• be respected

• be listened to

• enjoy football in a positive environment

• develop free from discrimination, abuse, bullying, or exploitation

 

OTB Academy adopts a child-centred approach and is committed to creating an environment where the wellbeing and safety of children are always the highest priority.

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

 

1.2 Scope

This policy applies to:

• all coaches

• volunteers

• staff

• trustees/directors

• players

• parents/carers

• contractors

• partner organisations

 

It applies during:

• training sessions

• matches

• tournaments

• trips

• camps

• online communication

• social media interaction

• any activity representing OTB Academy

 

1.3 Child Wellbeing & Protection Principles

 

OTB Academy will:

• prioritise the wellbeing of children

• 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/carers

• ensure children know how to raise concerns

 

1.4 Reporting Concerns

 

Any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child must be reported immediately to the Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO).

Where a child is in immediate danger:

• Contact Police Scotland – 999

• Contact Social Work Services

All concerns will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

 

1.5 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.

 

1.6 Review

This policy will be reviewed annually.

 

2. CODES OF CONDUCT

 

2.1 Coaches & Volunteers Code of Conduct

All coaches and volunteers at OTB Academy must:

• place the wellbeing of children first

• 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

 

Coaches and 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 Player Code of Conduct

 

All players are expected to:

• show respect to teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents

• behave positively on and off the pitch

• avoid bullying or discrimination

• 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 Parent & Carer Code of Conduct

 

Parents and 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

 

3. CHILD WELLBEING & PROTECTION OFFICER (CWPO)

 

Club CWPO Details

Name: Michael Young

Position: Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer

Email: opsmanager@ontheballacademy.co.uk

Phone: 07730 469839

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

 

Deputy CWPO

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Name: Stephanie Park

Email: opsmanager@ontheballacademy.co.uk

Alternative Contacts

• Police Scotland – 101

• Emergency – 999

• Children 1st – 08000 28 22 33

• NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

4. REPORTING CONCERNS PROCEDURE

What To Do If You Have A Concern

If you witness, suspect, or receive information regarding the wellbeing or safety of a child:

1. Stay calm

2. Listen carefully

3. Do not promise confidentiality

4. Record facts accurately

5. Report immediately to the CWPO

 

Do not:

• investigate yourself

• ask leading questions

• delay reporting

• confront alleged individuals directly

 

Immediate Risk

If a child is in immediate danger:

• call 999

• contact Police Scotland

• contact local social work services

 

Recording Concerns

Reports should include:

• date/time

• factual observations

• names involved

• actions taken

• witness details

All records will be stored securely.

 

5. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY

 

Policy Statement

OTB Academy is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated fairly, respectfully, and equally.

We oppose discrimination on the basis of:

• age

• disability

• gender reassignment

• marriage/civil partnership

• pregnancy/maternity

• race

• religion or belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

• socio-economic background

 

Commitment

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.

 

6. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Purpose

 

OTB Academy is committed to responding fairly, transparently, and professionally to concerns or complaints.

 

Informal Resolution

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

 

Formal Complaints

Formal complaints should be submitted in writing to:

Email: opsmanager@ontheballacademy.co.uk

Complaints should include:

• name

• contact details

• details of concern

• dates/times

• desired outcome

 

Process

1. Complaint acknowledged within 5 working days

2. Investigation conducted

3. Outcome communicated in writing

4. Appeals process available

 

Confidentiality

Complaints will be handled confidentially and respectfully.

 

7. PRIVACY POLICY (GDPR)

 

Introduction

OTB Academy is committed to protecting personal information and complying with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.

 

Information We Collect

We may collect:

• names

• addresses

• phone numbers

• email addresses

• emergency contacts

• medical information

• attendance information

• safeguarding records

• photographs/videos (with consent)

 

Why We Collect Data

We collect data to:

• manage participation

• ensure safeguarding and welfare

• communicate with families

• organise sessions/events

• meet legal obligations

• 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/videos for:

• social media

• website promotion

• marketing materials

Consent will be requested where appropriate.

Parents/carers may opt out.

 

Your Rights

Individuals have the right to:

• access their data

• request corrections

• request deletion where appropriate

• object to processing

• lodge complaints with the ICO

 

Contact

For data protection enquiries:

Email: opsmanager@ontheballacademy.co.uk