The UAE Pro League’s pioneering child safeguarding project is set to move to the second phase of implementation. A first of its kind in the region for football governing bodies, the initiative which was kicked-off on May 28th seeks to ensure the rights of children are adhered to and at the center of focus in all UAE professional football clubs, and has been lauded by FIFA, the AFC and UAE Ministry of Interior.
The next phase of the UAE Pro League initiative will be the allocation of Child Safeguarding Officers (CSO’s) in each of the 14 clubs, coupled with the education and skills framework each of the CSO’s will be equipped to lead Child protection in each of their respective football clubs.
The third phase of the initiative, set to launch on August 31st in collaboration with UAE Ministry of Interior, is a mandatory awareness program for all club staff in direct contact with children. The program features vital information on UAE Child Rights Laws, recognizing different types of abuse, with key football related examples, as well as understanding child development phases and educating staff on national reporting frameworks.
UAE Pro League Chairman Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi expressed his pride in this important initiative. “We have been overwhelmed with the level of support that we have received from leading organizations such as FIFA, the AFC and UAE Ministry of Interior,” said Al Junaibi. “The UAE Pro League is also delighted to be sharing our practice to ignite similar movements across other sporting bodies starting with the UAE Football Association whom have recently addressed the topic.”
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