Parent/Guardian-Club Contract

Welcome to Lewes FC Juniors

At Lewes FC Juniors, we are a volunteer-run, community-driven club that upholds the principles of Equality FC: inclusivity, fairness, and equitable access to football for all. We provide a safe, welcoming, and development-focused environment where young players can grow their skills, confidence, and love of the game.

However, being part of this club is a privilege, not a right. Every parent, player, and volunteer is expected to contribute positively to our club’s ethos. If a player’s or parent’s behaviour fails to align with the values of respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, the club reserves the right to ask them to leave.

This Parent/Guardian-Club Contract sets out our shared responsibilities and expectations to ensure the best experience for everyone involved. By registering your child, you agree to uphold these commitments and support the smooth running of the club.

Inclusivity and Team Selection

We are committed to inclusivity, but this does not mean that every child has a guaranteed place in a team.

  • Team selection is at the discretion of our coaches and volunteer committee, who balance player development, team dynamics, and the club’s limited resources.

  • We follow the Equalities Act 2010 and will make reasonable adjustments where possible to support children with additional needs. However, as a volunteer-run club, we cannot provide tailored support in all cases.

  • If your child is not placed in a team, we encourage participation in Saturday Rooks, which offers equitable, accessible football opportunities for all.

Our focus is on creating a fair and positive footballing experience—not guaranteeing places in teams.

Club Commitments

1. Player Development

✔ Provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all players to develop their football skills and confidence.
✔ Offer high-quality coaching following FA guidelines and best practices.

2. Communication

✔ Share clear and timely updates about training, matches, and club events.
✔ Maintain open communication through designated channels (e.g., Spond, email).
✔ Offer support with dispute resolution through our Complaints and Feedback Process.

3. Safeguarding

✔ Prioritise the welfare and safety of all players.
✔ Ensure that all coaches and volunteers are DBS-checked and appropriately trained in safeguarding and first aid.

4. Facilities & Equitable Access

✔ Provide well-maintained pitches, changing rooms, and equipment.
✔ Ensure fair and equitable access to facilities for all teams, in line with our Equality FC principles.

5. Fair Play & Respect

✔ Promote a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork across players, parents, and coaches. Parents will be expected to pay all fines incurred by their children.

Parent/Guardian Commitments

1. Support and Encouragement

✔ Encourage your child’s effort, progress, and enjoyment over results.
✔ Support our volunteers—we are a volunteer-run club operating on a tight budget, built on relationships and shared responsibility.
✔ Understand that your child’s membership supports the collective effort to provide football for all.

2. Behaviour – Setting the Standard

✔ Model respectful behaviour towards referees, coaches, players, and fellow spectators.
✔ Refrain from sideline coaching or entering the pitch unless requested by a coach.
✔ Adhere to the FA’s Respect Code of Conduct.

🚨 If a parent’s or player’s behaviour is disruptive, aggressive, or falls short of our club values, we reserve the right to ask them to leave the club.

3. Communication

✔ Use club-approved channels for queries, feedback, or concerns (e.g., Spond, email, feedback process).
✔ Respect the privacy and personal time of coaches and volunteers—avoid out-of-hours contact unless urgent.

4. Commitment to Team

✔ Ensure your child attends training and matches regularly and on time.
✔ Ensure your child wears the correct kit—official Lewes FC Juniors kit at fixtures. Have pride in the badge!
✔ Notify the coach or team manager in advance if your child cannot attend.
✔ Collect your child on time and inform your coach if delayed.

5. Financial Responsibility

✔ Pay membership fees promptly and in full, following the club’s "No Pay, No Play" policy.
✔ If financial difficulties arise, contact the Membership & Registrations Secretary to discuss support options.

6. Safety & Wellbeing

✔ Inform coaches of any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs your child has.
✔ Ensure your child has appropriate footwear, shin pads, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Club-Parent/Guardian Relationship

1. Shared Values

✔ Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive environment where all players can thrive.
✔ A partnership in developing players’ skills, confidence, and love of football.

2. Resolving Issues

✔ Follow the Complaints and Feedback Process for disputes or concerns.
✔ Engage constructively and respectfully in discussions regarding team or club matters.

🚨 Persistent negative behaviour from parents or players will not be tolerated, and the club reserves the right to remove individuals if necessary.

3. Feedback & Club Development

✔ Provide constructive feedback to help improve the club.
✔ Participate in club surveys and meetings when invited.

Acknowledgment

By registering your child with Lewes FC Juniors, you acknowledge that:

⚽ Being part of this club is a privilege, not a right.
⚽ Every player, parent, and volunteer must uphold our ethos of respect, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
⚽ Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave the club.

This mutual understanding ensures that every child has the best opportunity to enjoy and succeed in football while maintaining a positive, respectful, and inclusive club environment.

Final Thoughts

Lewes FC Juniors is more than just a football club—it’s a community, built on equality, respect, and shared responsibility. We welcome all players, parents, and volunteers who share these values.

Together, we can create a football experience that is truly inclusive, inspiring, and built on the values of Equality FC.

🚀 Welcome to Lewes FC Juniors—where football is for everyone, and everyone plays a part.