14 RACHEL TARR WHAT IS GROOMING_ MODULE 2

Grooming is when somebody deliberately builds a relationship with a young person in order to sexually abuse them. Somebody who’s intent on grooming will make a child feel special, potentially isolate them. Create a relationship where the balance of power is excessive so they’re in a position to carry out inappropriate behaviours. Once the relationship has been established the groomer may threaten or blackmail the individual so they don’t tell anybody. Within a football context it might they say that they support the same team, they might be offering tickets to a game or suggesting their potential for playing opportunities at a higher level . they might target clubs and specifically look for information online about particular children. Building a safe club environment both on and offline can do a lot to prevent grooming in football. Some simple tips to avoid grooming in football would be making sure you don’t share children’s and young people’s data online. Any communications that you have with children and young people should be about football and not about anything else. And if you are communicating with them make sure you copy in either parent or carer. Don’t except or invite young people to be friends on any social media sites with you. If you suspect grooming or inappropriate behaviour from adults towards children at your club make sure you speak with your Designated Person.