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Urgent Safeguarding alert - Vigilance Required on Potential Online Threat to Youth Players

  • Admin
  • Jul 23
  • 2 min read

This note is being sent to all parents, carers, managers, coaches and other volunteers.


Kent Youth League Safeguarding Team have identified a serious safeguarding concern that has been reported across several clubs in both the National League and the English Football League.


Multiple clubs have flagged incidents involving an unidentified individual contacting academy and youth team players via social media platforms. This individual is offering free personal training sessions and sportswear, appearing to be a well-meaning coach or mentor. However, once trust is built, the individual has allegedly progressed to requesting personal and indecent images from these young players.


We are urged all to remain vigilant and to reinforce online safety messages to your youth players. If you become aware of any similar approaches or incidents at your club, please report them immediately through a team manager, a committee member or through the Seymour Villa Admin Phone number, which is a member of all team WhatsApp groups. Alternatively, send an email to admin@seymourvillafc.co.uk and we will get back to you ASAP.


Please also contact the police to report the incident as a criminal offence. Your action could prevent further young people from being targeted.


These types of offences can have a devastating and lifelong impact on victims. Sadly, in some past cases, individuals have faced blackmail, emotional trauma and in the most tragic instances, children have taken their own lives due to fear and shame. It is therefore crucial that we create an environment where all children feel safe and empowered to speak up.


As parents and guardians, I encourage you to have age-appropriate conversations with your children about online safety. Please let them know that if they receive any approaches resembling those described above, they should speak to you immediately or reach out to another trusted adult - be it a coach, teacher or family member.



 
 
 

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