Two of the football clubs coaches have recently completed the Designated Officers Training.

Both Emma Bohill and Tony McShane are now the Designated Officers for the football club. This is a very important role within the football club, especially within the clubs new youth section. Both Emma & Tony will be responsible for dealing with any safeguarding concerns within the club.

Due to this being the first year of the clubs growing youth section the Designated Officers will have a responsibility to create a child-centred ethos in the football club which promotes safety and fun within Downpatrick FC. Over the coming weeks and months Emma and Tony will be speaking to the children, introducing themselves and communicating to them what safeguarding means and how important it is.

At the recent parents meetings the coaches have been trying to encourage some parents to take up the role of a Designated Officer, if any parents are interested please contact the football clubs Youth Development Officer Paul Moore on 07549 661772.

If anyone has any safeguarding concerns within the football club they can contact Emma on 07592 550372 or e-mail emmabohill@sportni.net OR Tony on 07716 853990 or tony.mcshane@sky.com