Aston Villa Football Club is committed to creating a culture where safeguarding responsibilities and procedures for raising concerns are widely understood and embedded in our values.
We are fully committed to seeking to provide a safe environment for everyone involved in the club.
Chris Heck
President of Business Operations
The Club seeks to create a safe, secure environment which enables everyone to participate in a broad spectrum of activities relating to football.
All individuals within the organisation have a role and responsibility to help ensure the safety and welfare of those we work with.
The Club will do everything that can be reasonably expected to help safeguard and protect individuals from harm and will act when it is suspected that a child or adult at risk is being harmed or is at risk of harm.
Safeguarding Policies
As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding, policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the needs of our Club and any changes to legislation or Premier League/FA regulations.
Our safeguarding policies and procedures can be accessed below:
What to do if you have a concern?
If you have a safeguarding concern, please email the Safeguarding Team via safeguarding@avfc.co.uk.
A safeguarding concern might include:
- An allegation of bullying or abuse
- Concerns about an individual’s behaviour
- Harmful sexual behaviour
- Concerns about drug or alcohol use
Our complaints procedure
A safeguarding complaint may involve:
- Complaints regarding poor practice within Club activities or relating to children (under 18s) or adults at risk
- Complaints relating to the Safeguarding Team
- A concern in relation to a member of unsafe practice by Club staff, volunteers, or partners
All complaints should be emailed to the Head of Safeguarding via safeguarding@avfc.co.uk. If your complaint involves the Head of Safeguarding, contact the Senior Safeguarding Lead via Reception on 0121 327 2299 or by emailing the Premier League at safeguarding@premierleague.com.
If you are concerned about the immediate safety or welfare of an individual, please contact emergency services via 999.
Key Contacts
Club Safeguarding Team
Ashlee Milliard - safeguarding@avfc.co.uk – 07827300798
Matt Norris – Safeguarding Administrator – safeguarding@avfc.co.uk
Designated Safeguarding Officers
Foundation
Debbi Rawson
Laura Trentham
Men’s Team
Phil Roscoe
Sofia Allen
Boy’s Academy
Charlotte Collins
Helen Roberts
Women’s Team
Lee Billiard
Ashlee Milliard
Girl’s Academy
Crissy Torkildsen
Josie Cottam
Thomas Gardiner
Official Bodies
FA Safeguarding: safeguarding@thefa.com
The Premier League: safeguarding@premierleague.com
NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit - https://thecpsu.org.uk/about-us/
Regional Referrals
Birmingham Referrals
- Office hours 0121 303 1888
- Out of hours 0121 675 4806
Warwickshire Referrals
- Office hours 01926 410410
- Out of hours 01926 886922
Worcestershire Referrals
- Office hours 01905 822666
- Out of hours 01905 768020
Staffordshire Referrals
- Office hours 0800 1313126
- Out of hours 0345 6042886
FAQs
Can I bring my child to a match?
Yes, Aston Villa welcomes families to attend our stadium and all fans, irrelevant of age, must have a valid ticket.
If you wish to bring a young child to a match, please consult our Ticketing Terms and Conditions to ensure you are seated in the correct area of the stadium. Please be aware that some very young children may find a match day environment intimidating.
Can my child attend on their own?
Any children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over. Any child attending, regardless of age will require a valid match ticket.
What do I do if I am concerned about a child or adult at risk?
If you have any concerns about a child or adult at risk or if you are concerned about the behaviour or a member of staff, please contact the Safeguarding Team via 60060 or safeguarding@avfc.co.uk
What happens if I become separated from my child?
Contact a Steward or a Match Day Safeguarding Officer and report your child missing. The Club has specific procedures to locate children or adults at risk who become lost.
Will I be searched on arrival?
Yes, searches will be conducted by appropriately trained staff. In the event that a child must be searched, a member of the Safeguarding Team will be present and searches will only be conducted with parental permission or by a Police Officer.
Further information
For children and young people:
Childline and the Premier League | Childline (children aged 12 and under)
Childline and the Premier League | Childline (children aged 12+)
Premier League Safeguarding, Rules & Policy Information
NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC
Safeguarding - Rules & Regulations | The Football Association (thefa.com)
Support for Victims of Abuse
Support for adult victims and survivors of childhood abuse within a football context
Any form of abuse in football is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
You can contact the Head of Safeguarding safeguarding@avfc.co.uk or access support on the links below:
The FA: https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/section-9-support-for-survivors
The Survivor Support Advocate is co-funded by The PFA Charity and the FA. They provide legal information, emotional and practical support https://www.thepfa.com/charity/survivor-support-advocate or 08003688389
Helpline outside of football: NAPAC: https://napac.org.uk/calling-our-support-line/