Franky Boyland, the Active Derbyshire Sport Welfare Officer, highlights a great example of a club proactive in keeping members safe.
“Tonight I went to meet Lexi, Club Welfare Officer for Derby Trailblazers Basketball Club, her passion for the role was infectious!
“Derby Trailblazers have been around for almost 25 years and currently have just under 600 members, 19 teams and train across seven venues, supporting both adults and children/young people. You can find out more on their website, HOME – Derby Trailblazers Basketball Club
“Tonight, I saw young people from the Under 14 boys local and national teams. The young people were so committed to their session, working hard and showing their skills. 😀
“Lexi clearly has a good knowledge of safeguarding and welfare, she is confident in her work and strives to upskill herself…even completing coaching courses to understand all roles to be able to support where needed to ensure safety, good practice and compliance in terms of staffing ratios. She certainly is an all-rounder and takes the role seriously. Lexi even wants to access the free training to become a mental health first aider (Mental Health First Aid training courses – Derby City Council)…there will be no end to her knowledge at the rate she is going.
“It was fab to hear that Lexi has a five year plan with regard to developing the safeguarding culture in the club and I’m pleased to be working with her on some these developments.
“Some of the discussions we had are:
- Developing a code/link to support better and more effective gathering of consent from parents at events.
- Raising awareness to sports substance misuse to help clarify appropriate performance boosting products linking this in with healthy living and diet.
“It is always a pleasure going to clubs and meeting new people and Lexi and the Trailblazers are no exception.
“Great work! 👍”
