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Anti-Bullying Policy
Statement of Intent
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly, and safe environment for all of our staff, players, and their families so they can participate in soccer in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If bullying does occur, all staff, players, and their families should be able to report it and know that the incident will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person, resulting in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be:
- Emotional — being unfriendly, excluding others, sending hurtful messages, or tormenting someone.
- Physical — pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, or any use of violence.
- Racist — racial taunts, graffiti, or gestures.
- Sexist — targeting someone because of their sex or gender.
- Sexual — unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
- Homophobic — targeting someone because of their sexual orientation.
- Verbal — name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, or teasing.
- Cyberbullying — harassment via social media, text, or online platforms.
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Individuals who bully others need to learn different ways of behaving. The impact on a child or young person can be devastating and in some cases affect all aspects of their life. In extreme circumstances it can lead to serious mental health consequences. At We Make Footballers our aim is to develop great players who can both perform well and have the right attitude — this policy is a cornerstone of that commitment.
Objectives of this Policy
- All staff, coaches, volunteers, parent hosts, and parents or guardians should have a clear understanding of what bullying is.
- All staff, coaches, volunteers, and parent hosts should know the We Make Footballers policy on bullying and follow it when bullying is reported.
- All players and parents or guardians should know what the policy is and what to do if bullying arises.
- We take bullying seriously. Players and families should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported.
- Bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- This policy must be followed by franchise owners, academy managers, coaches, volunteers, parent hosts, players, and all supporters.
- Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of a franchise, dismissal for gross misconduct, or being asked to leave the program.
Signs and Indicators
A child may show signs that they are being bullied. Adults should be aware of and investigate if a child:
- Says they are being bullied.
- Is unwilling to attend training sessions.
- Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence.
- Feels unwell before training sessions.
- Returns home with damaged clothing or training equipment.
- Has possessions go missing.
- Asks for money or starts stealing money.
- Has unexplained cuts or bruises.
- Is frightened to say what is wrong.
In more serious cases, a child may:
- Cry themselves to sleep or have nightmares.
- Become aggressive, disruptive, or unreasonable.
- Begin bullying other children or siblings.
- Stop eating.
- Threaten or attempt to run away or self-harm.
These signs may indicate other problems, but bullying should always be considered and investigated.
Procedures
- Report bullying incidents to the We Make Footballers Welfare Officer or a senior member of staff immediately.
- In cases of serious bullying, incidents will be referred to local law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS) for advice.
- Parents or guardians will be informed and asked to attend a meeting to discuss the situation.
- If necessary and appropriate, local law enforcement will be consulted.
- The bullying behavior must be investigated and stopped quickly.
- An attempt will be made to help the individual responsible change their behavior.
- If the bullying continues after intervention, We Make Footballers will initiate formal disciplinary action.
If an adult within the organization is reported to be bullying anyone under 18, please contact us immediately at info@wemakefootballers.com. We will arrange to meet with all parties and will contact law enforcement if required.
If any adult within the organization feels they are being bullied, they should contact us at info@wemakefootballers.com and we will mediate between all parties.
Useful Resources
Last updated: April 9, 2026
