The FAI treats all Child Protection and Welfare issues with the highest priority. The Association is working with ISPCC, the national child protection charity, and has worked closely with several organisations, including Barnardo's (www.barnados.ie) and One-In-Four (www.oneinfour.ie).

The FAI would like to remind all member clubs, leagues and stakeholders that they have a responsibility to comply with the statutory regulations laid out in National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to ensure all adults working with children have received Garda vetting.

In accordance with the FAI Child Welfare Policy and Children First National Guidance, members of the FAI who are advised, suspect or are concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse are obliged to report these concerns to TUSLA (www.tusla.ie) and the relevant Designated Child Officer of their Affiliated Member body. 

In the event of an emergency where a child is believed to be in immediate danger, the Statutory Authorities should be alerted as a matter of urgency. This may be done through any Garda station. All child abuse investigations will be dealt with by the Statutory Authorities, with the support of the FAI.

Caroline O'Sullivan, Director of Services for ISPCC, said: "The ISPCC, through its Childline service, is happy to support the FAI to provide a 24-hour listening service to children all over Ireland. It is really important that sporting organisations and clubs are proactive in their approach to child protection, and that children are aware of where to go for support should they need it, so that they can be listened to and believed."

Below are a number of organisations which can help with various issues:

Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children ISPCC Childline
National 24-hour service for children and young people up to the age of 18.
Freephone: 1800 66 66 66
Text Talk to: 50101
www.childline.ie

Rape Crisis Centre
National 24-hour confidential helpline for women and men who have been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives.
Freephone: 1800 77 88 88
www.drcc.ie 

One in Four
Professionally supports men and women who have experienced sexual abuse during childhood.
Phone: 01 662 4070 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 17:30)
www.oneinfour.ie 

Connect
An additional service to the HSE's National Counselling Service which provides free face-to-face counselling for people who have suffered abuse, trauma or neglect in their childhood.
Freephone: 1800 477 477
www.connectcounselling.ie 

Samaritans
National 24-hour helpline which offers confidential, non-judgemental support.
Freephone: 116 123
www.samaritans.org 

PFA Ireland
Support for all professional and semi-professional footballers playing in the SSE Airtricity League.
Email: info@pfai.ie 
www.pfai.ie 

FAI Child Welfare Department
Dedicated staff dealing with various issues surrounding Child Welfare and Safeguarding.
Email: childwelfare@fai.ie 
Child Welfare Policy: Click here