The FA Play Safe initiative, launched by the Football Association, underscores the importance of health and safety in football. As part of this initiative, clubs are encouraged to adopt comprehensive measures that prioritize the welfare of everyone at the stadium. From stringent sanitation protocols to careful crowd management, the initiative seeks to provide a comfortable space for fans to enjoy the sport while minimizing risks.

Liphook United FC's decision to embrace the FA Play Safe initiative demonstrates their dedication to fostering a responsible and secure environment. By implementing enhanced cleaning procedures, encouraging social distancing, and closely following the guidance provided by health authorities, the club is ensuring that every matchday experience is enjoyable and safe.

Club spokesperson and Child Welfare Officer Katherine Helps childwelfareofficer@liphookunitedfootballclub.org commented on the initiative, stating, "The safety and well-being of our players, supporters, and staff are of paramount importance to us. By aligning with the FA Play Safe campaign, we are taking proactive measures to prioritize health while maintaining the excitement and competitive spirit of football. We urge our fans to join us in adhering to the safety guidelines to ensure a successful and secure season."

Liphook United FC's participation in the FA Play Safe initiative reflects a larger trend within the football community. As clubs across the nation recognize the significance of health-conscious practices, fans can look forward to enjoying matches in an environment that values their safety above all else.

With the upcoming season just around the corner, Liphook United FC's commitment to the FA Play Safe initiative is a testament to their dedication to the sport and its followers. As they prepare to kick off another exhilarating season, the club's proactive approach to safety is a reminder that football can be enjoyed responsibly, even in the face of challenges.

As the whistle blows and the matches commence, Liphook United FC stands as a shining example of how the spirit of the game can thrive while upholding the highest standards of safety.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Non-action is not an option.

If there is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate
risk, then call the Police on 999 or contact Hampshire Children’s Social
Care using their online safeguarding form.

Liphook United Child Welfare Officer Katherine Helps childwelfareofficer@liphookunitedfootballclub.org

If your problem is urgent, contact your Hampshire FA Designated
Safeguarding Officer (Shantell Woodward) on 01256 853012 or
Shantell.Woodward@HampshireFA.com or Safeguarding@HampshireFA.com.

You can also email The FA Case Management Safeguarding Team at
Safeguarding@TheFA.com.

If urgent and you cannot contact your club, league or County FA
Designated Safeguarding Officer, you should call the NSPCC 24 hour
helpline on 0808 800 5000.

COMING SOON – PLAY SAFE WEEKEND 2023
Saturday 30th Sept/Sunday 1st October

English football is set to unite again over the above weekend to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.
Led by The Football Association, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game.

This season we are asking EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals if they wish) – to tell us what they are planning to do to make a difference over the Play Safe weekend and to share this via an online Play Safe Pledge.

The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group (FASSSAG) continues to support Play Safe: “Creating safe environments in every football setting is a collective responsibility. It’s really important that every single person in football – no matter if they’re actively involved or on the sidelines – understands that they have an ongoing role to play. Knowing how to act on any concerns is vital and Play Safe is a key way to raise awareness so that everyone is vigilant and knows what to do if they become aware of any inappropriate behaviour.”

This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE has to play – coach, player, parent/carer, spectator or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns.

These messages are reflected in the visuals on this page, which are examples of the various digital and print resources being distributed to every County FA, league and club in England. Captain’s armbands will be worn at various levels of the game over the weekend. Head coaches/managers are also being asked to wear Play Safe pin badges to show their support.

It’s all part of football in England uniting to create an ever-safer culture across the game at every level.