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The Complete DBS Compliance Guide for Grassroots Football Clubs (2026)

FootballPro Team·2 May 2026·8 min read

Who Needs a DBS Check?

In grassroots football, every adult who has regular, unsupervised contact with children and young people must hold an Enhanced DBS check. This includes:

  • •Head coaches and assistant coaches
  • •Team managers
  • •Welfare officers
  • •Volunteers who regularly help at training or matches
  • •Committee members with access to player data

    • The FA's Requirements

    The FA mandates that all affiliated clubs maintain up-to-date DBS checks for relevant personnel. Failure to comply can result in:

  • •Suspension of FA affiliation
  • •Insurance invalidation
  • •Personal liability for committee members

    • Common Mistakes

    1. Not Tracking Expiry Dates

    DBS certificates don't have an official expiry, but the FA recommends renewal every 3 years. Many clubs forget this and only discover the gap during an audit.

    2. Accepting Old Certificates

    A DBS check from a previous employer or role is not transferable unless you're using the DBS Update Service. Always verify.

    3. No Central Record

    Keeping certificates in a filing cabinet or on someone's phone is a safeguarding risk. You need a central, secure register.

    How to Stay Compliant

  • 1.Maintain a digital register of all staff and their DBS status
  • 2.Set automated alerts for certificates approaching their 3-year renewal date
  • 3.Assign a Welfare Officer as the single point of accountability
  • 4.Audit quarterly — don't wait for the FA to ask

    • Automate It

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