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1. Statement of Commitment

Ballers Sports Club / AFC Ballers CIC is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our work. We believe that football and sport should be accessible to all children and young people regardless of background, ability or personal circumstances.

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation of any kind.
 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff and volunteers

  • Coaches and assistant coaches

  • Players and participants

  • Parents/carers

  • Partner organisations
     

3. Protected Characteristics

We will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of:

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Gender reassignment

  • Marriage or civil partnership

  • Pregnancy or maternity

  • Race (including ethnicity, nationality and national origin)

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex

  • Sexual orientation

  • Socio-economic background

We are particularly committed to removing barriers for children from low-income households.
 

4. Our Commitments

Ballers Sports Club will:

  • Provide equal access to football activities wherever reasonably possible

  • Take positive steps to reduce financial barriers to participation

  • Promote a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion

  • Challenge discriminatory language or behaviour immediately

  • Make reasonable adjustments to support participants with additional needs

  • Provide clear and accessible communication to families

  • Work with schools and local partners to reach underrepresented groups
     

5. Inclusive Practice

To ensure inclusion, we will:

  • Offer subsidised or funded places where possible

  • Provide equipment support (e.g. boots, shin pads) to remove cost barriers

  • Use plain English in communication materials

  • Offer verbal communication options for parents who prefer it

  • Provide a safe, supervised environment for all participants

  • Ensure coaches model inclusive behaviour at all times
     

6. Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed annually.

All coaches, volunteers and staff are responsible for:

  • Treating all individuals fairly and respectfully

  • Reporting any incidents of discrimination

  • Promoting inclusive behaviour

Any complaints relating to discrimination will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and addressed appropriately.
 

7. Monitoring & Review

We will monitor participation levels to ensure we are reaching diverse groups within the community, particularly those affected by cost-of-living pressures.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

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