East Riding Rangers football club and the Football Association have made statements following an ‘isolated safeguarding issue’
The safeguarding breach happened at East Riding Rangers based in Cottingham (stock photo)
Changes have been made to a Cottingham-based football club that has hundreds of children on its books following a “safeguarding issue”. East Riding Rangers FC admitted to an “isolated” incident and says it has “pleaded guilty” to a charge raised by the Football Association (FA).
East Riding Rangers has been running since 2000 and now has over two dozen teams of boys, girls, adults, over 55s and men’s walking football. It is based at King George V Playing Fields in Cottingham. The club admitted there had been an issue around safeguarding and said it was working with the FA.
A statement provided to Hull Live said: “East Riding Rangers acknowledge there has been a safeguarding issue within the club, we would like to make clear this is an isolated occurrence within one team. We are working closely with the FA and have reinforced our measures and procedures to ensure the continued safety of all our members. East Riding Rangers FC will continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all our current and future members.”
The club commented further on Tuesday via its social media channels. The club said it has “pleaded guilty to an FA charge related to an isolated safeguarding breach”. It said the chairman was “removed from his position” and it has made “other changes to the structure of its committee”, including adding a welfare officer to its team.
The club said it “accepts responsibility for the isolated safeguarding failing”. The full statement said: “East Riding Rangers FC have today pleaded guilty to an FA charge related to an isolated safeguarding breach. The club would like to stress that the safeguarding of its members is of paramount importance to the club and have dealt with this matter as soon as it was brought to their attention.
“The club can confirm that following a short internal investigation the (now former) chairman was removed from their position. Other changes have also been made to the structure of the committee which include the appointment of a new Club Chairman (Mark Noble), the appointment of additional welfare officers (Adam Corkett) and also the appointment of general committee members (Mike Williams, James Bradley, and Jon Farrell). The club accept responsibility for the isolated safeguarding failing. With the appointment of the new chairman and additional committee members we remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for its current and future members.”
An FA spokesperson said: “We operate a robust safeguarding programme across every level of English football, and our processes are independently reviewed by NSPCC Sport to ensure they meet the highest standard. We are unable to comment on individual safeguarding matters, including cases that remain active, however we do take the appropriate action against individuals who pose or may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football. This includes issuing appropriate suspensions in accordance with our safeguarding regulations.”
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