Held at the Bedford campus, the conference was a free session available to Club Welfare Officers from a number of local teams to provide them the opportunity to share knowledge, learn and network from a range of workshops.

The event was attended by over 40 Club Welfare Officers from several clubs across the county and featured a host of guest speakers including Wayne Polson, Player Welfare Officer from Luton Town FC. Wayne gave an insight into how the club holistically supports their academy players to ensure their emotional, education and social needs are met.

Speaking about the University hosting this event, Dr Martyn Morris – Head of the School of Sport Science & Physical Activity (SSPA) – said: “It was great to host the Bedfordshire FA conference, something we have been aiming to do since just before the Covid-19 lockdown.  It is the first event between the University and Bedfordshire FA as we look to build a strong collaboration to support football across the county. It offers a great opportunity for many of our students to gain qualifications, experience and potentially future jobs across the football sector.”

The University of Bedfordshire has strong connections with many of the local sports clubs in the area, including Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues Rugby Club, which provide work experience and learning opportunities for students studying sports-related courses.

David Pears, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching) at the University, added: “SSPA were proud to host the Bedfordshire FA safeguarding conference. Robust safeguarding policies, procedures and practices are essential to protect those engaged in football and being able to engage in this conference allows all those involved to learn from the experts and share best practice.

“Acting as hosts also allows us to strengthen our relationship with Bedfordshire FA and grassroots football clubs in the county and we hope to work together again soon to deliver more opportunities for local football clubs.”