Parent Guide

Safeguarding

Southampton FC is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people (under 18s) and adults at risk, engaged in our activities. It is the duty of all adults working at Southampton FC to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm.

Southampton FC adopts Southampton Football Club's policies.

Margaret Sainsbury, Head of Safeguarding, is the designated person for safeguarding at Southampton Football Club, whilst Southampton FC has designated members of staff who are nominated Safeguarding Officers, who can also be contacted for matters relating to safeguarding.

For any safeguarding questions, please contact the Head of Safeguarding on msainsbury@saintsfc.co.uk or phone the Southampton FC office.

Southampton FC's full safeguarding policy can be viewed online - http://saintsfoundation.co.uk/safeguarding/

What To Bring

At Southampton FC, we want your player to get the most out their experience with us. We hope the below guide helps prepare you for the sessions, and fully equips your player. The points below marked with an *, means that it is compulsory across all of our sessions, and they may well miss out on some of the activities if they do not bring these. Please ask the coaching team at coaching@saintsfc.co.uk if you have anymore specific requests in addition to the below.

Appropriate footwear*

We recommend football boots (no metal studs) or Astroturf trainers at most of our venues. If it is a grass venue, then we would encourage football boots and if there are any specific 3G pitch requirements, then we will let you know in preparation for the course. For our Soccer Schools we encourage players to bring both outdoor and indoor trainers, in the case of adverse weather.

Packed Lunch

At our Soccer Schools, we encourage players to bring their own packed lunch, but this is not necessary for the rest of our courses/sessions. Please do not bring nuts as part of the packed lunch, and players will not be allowed to swap food with other players on the day.

Shin Pads*

Shin pads are compulsory for all players. If your player does not currently own shin pads, you can purchase shin pads from our Club shop or online store.

Water*

We encourage players to bring plenty of water for the courses. Some of the courses and sessions players will be able to top up their water bottles. We discourage fizzy drinks.

Goalkeepers Gloves

If your child is a goalkeeper, or is booked on to a goalkeeping course, then please bring goalkeeping gloves.

Sun Cream

We recommend that you provide your child with sun cream, particularly during summer courses, as participants may be out in the sun for a few hours each day. The players will have to apply top ups throughout the day themselves, but the coaches will remind them to do so.

Medication

Please leave any medication with the Head Coach on arrival and collect them when you depart each day/session. Make sure it is labelled with your child's name and that you have indicated on your booking and to the coach about the medication details.

FAQs

What should my child wear?
A. We ask that all children are dressed ready for sport and appropriately for the weather. Shorts, t-shirts and football socks are recommended, but tracksuit bottoms and tops are also suitable. We advise they bring a change of clothes for adverse weather. Shin pads are essential, your child may not be able to take part in some (or all) of the sessions if they do not bring shin pads. In cold weather, we recommend layers, so that your child can take off/put on extra layers if they get too hot or cold. If your child would like to purchase a Southampton kit in advance, you can do here.
What footwear should my child bring?
A. For courses that take place on grass, we recommend football boots, especially during the winter months, although Astroturf or moulded boots maybe sufficient during the summer months. For courses that take place on 3G Astroturf or synthetic grass pitches, we recommend Astroturf trainers or moulded boots, but no metal studs. Please can players bring indoor footwear with them as well in case they go inside at the venue for lunch or toilet breaks.
Can I stay to watch my child's session?
A. We do allow parents/guardians to stay and watch the sessions, should they wish (apart from some after school clubs, where the school doesn't allow this - please ask the school). Parents are also very welcome to sign their child in and leave them with us for the duration of the session if they prefer. The only venues that parents/guardians are not allowed stay and watch is at the Southampton Training Ground, Staplewood and at The Henry Beaufort School.
What time do the Soccer Schools run to and from?
A. Our Soccer Schools run typically from 9am-3pm and 9am-5pm, with the exception of Staplewood, Southampton FC Training Ground, that runs from 10am-3pm. You can extend your day from 9am-3pm to a 5pm finish by contacting our office on 02380 711950 and paying the difference.
What happens if it rains?
A. We will endeavour to keep the children playing football for as long as possible during all of our courses, as long as it is safe to do so. If our coaches deem the weather unsafe to play football, then contingencies are put in place at each venue to move inside and take part in indoor, or sheltered activities. This will be communicated to all relevant bookers, but if no communication is provided then the session is still taking place. It is worth noting that the small number of venues that do not have indoor facilities to cater for indoor football, then these activities may include indoor football-themed games, quizzes and challenges.
Does my child need a packed lunch?
A. We advise that at our soccer schools, your child must be supplied with a packed lunch and plenty of non-fizzy drinks. Packed lunch should not include nuts and children should not swap foods at lunchtime, due to other children's potential allergies. For all other sessions and courses, we advise that children bring plenty of non-fizzy drinks to keep hydrated.
Can I have a taster session?
A. We currently offer taster sessions for our Skills Centres & Saints Tots, where it is free of charge. Upon successful completion of the session, you will be able to book on to the remaining sessions if you wish.
Do I have to pay for the whole course?
A. Yes, apart from our Soccer Schools where there are individual day options at most venues (excluding Channel Islands, Stoneham and Staplewood).
What is the ratio of coaches to children?
A. At all of our Southampton FC sessions our ratios are a maximum of 1:16, and our Saints Tots being 1:12.
How does my child attend the Advanced Coaching Centre?
A. This is an invitation only programme, and players can be invited to this by one of two ways;
- Player recommendation from one of our Southampton FC coaches, at any of our other coaching sessions.
- Open Trial receiving an invitation following a successful trial.
Do you do any discounts?
A. Yes, we offer discounts. If your child is a Season Ticket Holder or a Junior Member for this season, they will be able to obtain a 10% discount on the FULL week course on our Soccer Schools (this discount is not available for individual days). This discount will automatically apply at checkout when stating the child's eligible supporters number.
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
A. We currently do not accept childcare vouchers.

If you have a specific question that is not answered on this page, please email coaching@saintsfc.co.uk.

Southampton FC SPORTS COURSES AND CLUBS- TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions apply to the purchase of Vouchers and booking of, and attendance at, sessions of the various sports courses and clubs run by Southampton FC including but not limited to Soccer Schools, Saints Tots, Coaching Centres, School Sports Clubs and others that may be added from time to time. By purchasing a Voucher or booking the relevant Session you will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

Attendee means the child or young person specified in the Booking and who shall participate in the Session(s)
Booker means the person who has booked the Session(s);
Booking means the reservation of space for a Participant at a specified Session, made by the Booker;
Vouchers means one or multiple E-vouchers purchased by the Booker on the Website which can be redeemed on the Website in order to book Sessions;
Participants means those who participate in the courses run by Southampton FC;
Parties means Southampton FC and the Booker;
Southampton FC means Southampton FC (SFC) with company number 04312794, and charity number 1090916, whose registered office is at St Mary's Stadium,
Britannia Road, Southampton, SO14 5FP;
Session means the one or multiple sessions of the relevant course (for example Saints Tots) booked by the Booker;
Session Date means the date the relevant session will take place;
Venue means the specific area of the location in which the Session will take place;
Website means the Southampton FC website used for the booking of Sessions and Vouchers.

In these terms and conditions words in the singular include the plural and vice versa.

1. The Booker (where the Booker is the Attendee and over the age of 13 or is the parent or legal guardian of the Attendee) hereby consents to the following:

the Attendee shall attend and participate in the Session(s);
if the Attendee is in need of first aid Southampton FC may provide this.

Where the Booker is neither the Attendee and aged 13 or over, nor the parent or legal guardian of the Attendee, they warrant that they shall procure from the parent or legal guardian of the Attendee, or the Attendee themselves, consent to the above.

2. The Booker warrants that the Attendee is sufficiently fit, physically and medically, to participate in the Session(s) and that any conditions, medical, dietary or otherwise, which the Attendee may have and which should be brought to the attention of Southampton FC to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Attendee have been provided during booking.

3. The Booker acknowledges and accepts that participation of the Attendee is subject to the Rules and Regulations of Participation.

4. The Booker has the right, during the 14 days immediately following purchase, to return Vouchers in return for a full refund. To do this the Booker must contact the Southampton FC with written confirmation. For the avoidance of doubt, once this request is processed the Vouchers, whether in the possession of the Booker or not, will be void.

5. Should the Booker wish to cancel a Booking for one or multiple Sessions they shall notify Southampton FC as soon as reasonably possible by contacting Southampton FC. Where such cancellation is made within 14 days of Booking the cost of the Sessions shall be refunded in full. For Bookings cancelled outside of this period Southampton FC shall, in its sole discretion, decide whether to issue a refund (whether full or partial).

6. Southampton FC reserves the right to postpone, cancel or move the location of any Sessions for any reason outside of Southampton FC's control, including but not limited to inclement weather, staff sickness, or the unavailability of third party venues. Where a Session is postponed, cancelled or moved Southampton FC shall notify the Booker as soon as reasonably practicable and in the event of cancellation the Booker shall be given a full refund (to be paid by Southampton FC within 30 days of cancellation).

7. Bookings are non-transferable, non-assignable and cannot be sold. Only the Attendee specified in the Booking may participate in the Session(s).

8. The Booker acknowledges that the Sessions take place on sites that are not owned or operated by Southampton FC however Southampton FC will conduct a risk assessment of the Venue before each Session and will conduct a risk assessment of the wider site on at least an annual basis.

9. If at any time the Booker wishes to make a complaint please refer to Southampton FC's Complaints Policy available in the Parent Guide of the booking site.

10. Southampton FC shall comply at all times in the running of the Sessions with its Safeguarding Policy, a copy of which is available on Southampton FC's website, and shall comply with the Children Act 2004 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

11. Southampton FC shall operate at all times at a minimum ratio of 1 coach to 16 Participants, and 1 coach to 12 participants on Saints Tots and Advanced Coaching Centres.

12. If the Booker breaches these terms and conditions the Booking shall be void and the Attendee shall not be entitled to participate in the Session(s). For the avoidance of doubt, in this circumstance no refund will be due to the Booker.

13. Southampton FC will comply will all applicable data protection legislation including but not limited to the Data Protection Act 1998 and any amendment or replacement thereto.

14. Southampton FC is not responsible for any loss, damage or injury, howsoever caused, except to the extent that it occurs as a result of the negligence of Southampton FC, its employees or agents, or as a result of any fraud or misrepresentation on the part of Southampton FC.

15. The invalidity or partial invalidity of any provision of the Conditions shall not prejudice or affect the remainder of the Conditions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Southampton FC's failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy provided by these terms and conditions or by law shall not constitute a waiver of that right, power or remedy.

17. These terms and conditions and any disputes arising under or in connection with them shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Southampton FC Complaints Policy and Procedure

The following reflects Southampton Football Club feedback and complaint mechanisms, as stated in the Club Safeguarding Policy.

Southampton FC recognises the right of all of our participants, children, young people (under 18s) and their parents or carers to have access to a complaints procedure.

The Foundation will ensure that all complaints are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and in confidence.

Our Ethos

At Southampton FC we aim to do things well. One of the ways in which we can achieve this is by listening to and responding to the views and suggestions of children, parents, schools, clubs and partner organisations - the voice of our stakeholders.

If you are not happy with something we do or anything that happens to participants on our activities or anything that is child-related, please let us know immediately.

Most complaints can be resolved at the time of the initial problem - please take prompt action.

Comments and Suggestions

As well as learning from your complaints, we are also interested in other ideas you may have on how we might do things better. We would also like you to tell us when we do things well.

You can make your comments by speaking to any members of our staff, telephone or in writing or you can e-mail us: tgrevatt@saintsfc.co.uk We will use your comments to help improve the way we do things.

Safeguarding

Complaints regarding poor practice in children's activities or relating to children (under 18s), such as bullying, will be shared with the Department Safeguarding Officer or designated Safeguarding Officer for the Activity, and if not resolved, the Head of Safeguarding.

Bullying and Discrimination

All participants have the right to enjoy football in a safe and enjoyable environment free from harm - this is our commitment to all participants, children and parents. We encourage parents and players to support each other as part of our team ethos and any behaviour that undermines these principles is not acceptable.

Any conduct by a participant that is perceived as offensive, bullying or discriminatory - or has caused harm to another participant - should be reported to us immediately. We take these incidents seriously and give them our attention as a priority. It is imperative that we take prompt action and investigate the incident. Also, we encourage anyone who observes such incidents to contact us.

Your Personal Information

If you use our complaints procedure, you are agreeing that we can use the personal information you send us for purposes connected with your complaint.

Our Standards:

Southampton FC aims to handle all complaints fairly and honestly - and with discretion - regardless of who makes a complaint. The Foundation will not show bias to any particular individual or group.
We treat all complaints seriously and without prejudice.
You will be treated with courtesy and fairness at all times, and we ask that you do the same.
We will treat your complaint with confidentiality and sensitivity within the organisation.
We will deal with your complaint promptly and will endeavour to resolve at the lowest or most appropriate level in order to achieve this.

How to make a complaint

Step 1

Most complaints can be resolved promptly at the time of the initial problem.

You can make a complaint about any area of our work. In the first instance, take prompt action:

talk directly with a Southampton FC person about your concerns
be clear about the problem and be as calm as you can about it

If the Foundation person is unable to resolve your complaint, it may be referred to the next level, ie: Head Coach or Football & Sports Development Senior Officer. You may need to provide your personal details so that we can get back to you or follow up.

Step 2

If you are not satisfied - how to make a formal complaint

If you are not happy with the explanation you receive, our action to address the issue or feel that you cannot talk about it, then make your complaint in writing to Tom Grevatt ten working days of the incident - please mark it 'Confidential' and send to: Southampton Football Club, St Mary's Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton, SO14 5FP or send an email to: tgrevatt@saintsfc.co.uk mark your email 'Confidential - Complaint' for priority attention.

Be clear about the problem and say how you feel it should be dealt with.

What we need to know

Your name and contact details, such as address, email and phone number.
Details of the activity, what, when and where the occurrence took place.
Any witness statements and names, including contact details.
Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way or subject to a similar experience.
Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
A preference for a solution to the incident.

What we will do

We will deal with your complaint as quickly as we can.

We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within five working days,
We will aim to send a full reply within ten working days of receipt.

If we are unable to respond quickly, for example, because we are carrying out an investigation, we will tell you when you can expect a full reply.

If we require further information or clarification, we will contact you - so please give contacts details and co-operate with our requests for information.

If we have done something wrong or made a mistake, we will apologise. We will tell you what went wrong and how we are putting it right.

If you are not happy with the outcome, then you have the right of appeal - see below.

Step 3

Appeals

If you have followed the above steps and you remain dissatisfied with the outcome, you may appeal the outcome:

write to the Head of Safeguarding - Margaret Sainsbury at Southampton Football Club, St Mary's Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton SO14 5FP or msainsbury@saintsfc.co.uk or call to discuss the matter on 02380 711965 within 10 working days of our response.

You need to outline the complaint and stages reached so far and the reasons why you are dissatisfied.

Your appeal will be investigated by a Club official (Margaret Sainsbury) who has not been previously involved in the complaint process and you will receive written notification of the outcome within 10 working days.

Step 4

If you want to take the matter further

If you feel the matter is still not resolved, you can refer out your complaint. Along with all Premier League Clubs, the work of Southampton FC is monitored by the Premier League.

If you have followed the above steps, including the appeal, then contact the Premier League. The Premier League will look into the matter and reply to you.

Write to: Jessica Addicott, Head of Safeguarding, The Premier League Ltd, 30 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8PL.

Download Complaint Form