1. INTRODUCTION

Football is for everyone.

At Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC, we believe every person should have the opportunity to Play, Develop, Progress and Belong, regardless of their age, ability, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background or any other personal characteristic.

As a grassroots community football club, inclusion is one of our core values. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, valued and able to participate.

This handbook explains how Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC promotes equality, diversity and inclusion across every aspect of Club life and should be read alongside the Club Constitution, Governance Framework and supporting Club policies.

2. OUR COMMITMENT

GCFC is committed to creating a football club where:

• Everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
• Everyone has equal opportunity to participate.
• Individual differences are recognised and valued.
• Diversity is celebrated.
• Discrimination is never tolerated.
• Decisions are made in the best interests of our members and community.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive Club creates a better experience for everyone.

3. OUR INCLUSION PRINCIPLES

At GCFC we believe:

• Football should be accessible to everyone.
• Every individual deserves dignity and respect.
• Diversity strengthens our Club.
• Inclusion requires action, not simply good intentions.
• Removing barriers creates opportunity.
• Every person should feel that they belong.

4. WHO THIS HANDBOOK APPLIES TO

This handbook applies to everyone involved with Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC, including:

• Players
• Parents and Carers
• Coaches and Managers
• Committee Members
• Volunteers
• Match Officials
• Spectators
• Visitors

Everyone shares responsibility for creating an inclusive environment.

5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Everyone at GCFC must:

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Promote equality and inclusion.
• Challenge discriminatory behaviour where appropriate.
• Report concerns promptly.
• Follow Club policies and Codes of Conduct.

Managers and Coaches must:

• Create welcoming environments for every player.
• Treat all players fairly.
• Encourage participation and development.
• Make reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
• Promote teamwork, respect and inclusion.

Managers and Coaches must never:

• Discriminate against any individual.
• Exclude players unfairly.
• Use discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Allow bullying, harassment or victimisation to go unchallenged.

Committee Members must:

• Promote an inclusive culture across the Club.
• Consider equality when making decisions.
• Remove barriers to participation where reasonably possible.
• Review Club policies to ensure they remain inclusive.

6. CREATING AN INCLUSIVE CLUB

GCFC aims to provide football opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

We will strive to ensure that everyone:

• Feels welcome.
• Feels safe.
• Feels respected.
• Feels listened to.
• Has the opportunity to participate.
• Has the opportunity to develop.

Inclusion should be reflected in everything we do, from recruitment and volunteering to coaching, competitions and Club events.

7. REMOVING BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION

We recognise that some individuals may face barriers to participation.

Where reasonably practicable, the Club will work with individuals and families to identify and remove those barriers.

This may include:

• Making reasonable adjustments.
• Providing additional support.
• Considering individual needs.
• Adapting coaching methods.
• Improving accessibility.
• Working with partner organisations.

Our approach is always to ask:

"How can we enable this person to participate?"

rather than

"Why can't they participate?"

8. REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Where appropriate, GCFC will consider reasonable adjustments to enable individuals to participate safely and positively.

Reasonable adjustments may include:

• Adapting coaching sessions.
• Modifying activities.
• Providing additional support.
• Adjusting communication methods.
• Improving physical accessibility where possible.

Every situation will be considered individually.

9. DISCRIMINATION, BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

GCFC operates a zero-tolerance approach to:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Bullying
• Victimisation
• Abuse
• Hate incidents

Everyone has the right to enjoy football free from intimidation or prejudice.

Any concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with in accordance with the Club's Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure.

10. REPORTING CONCERNS

If you experience or witness behaviour that conflicts with this handbook:

1. Speak to an appropriate Club official where possible.
2. Report the concern to the relevant Committee Member or Club Welfare Officer.
3. Record relevant information where appropriate.
4. Allow the Club to investigate in accordance with its procedures.

Concerns raised in good faith will always be taken seriously. Retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern will not be tolerated

11. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

GCFC is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion through ongoing education and awareness.

Where appropriate, the Club will:

• Provide guidance for volunteers.
• Promote inclusive coaching practices.
• Share best practice.
• Encourage learning and development.
• Work with partner organisations to improve accessibility and inclusion.

12. WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

As a community football club, GCFC actively seeks to develop opportunities that reflect the diverse communities we serve.

We will continue to work with schools, local organisations, community groups and governing bodies to increase participation and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy football.

We actively seek opportunities to increase participation across all sections of the community, recognising that a diverse Club strengthens the experience of everyone involve

13. RELATED DOCUMENTS

This handbook should be read alongside:

• Club Constitution
• Governance Framework
• Manager & Coach Handbook
• Safeguarding Handbook
• Volunteer Recruitment, Induction & Management Procedure
• Information Governance Handbook
• Respect & Conduct Procedure
• Digital Communication & Social Media Handbooky
• Code of Conduct

14. OUR COMMITMENT

Equality, diversity and inclusion are not simply legal responsibilities—they are fundamental to the culture and values of Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC.

By working together, we will continue to create a welcoming, respectful and inclusive Club where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to Play, Develop, Progress and Belong.