Manchester United believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or adult at risk to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard their welfare by a commitment to practice which protects them. All staff and volunteers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk, including taking appropriate steps (including those set out in this policy) to ensure that suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice are taken seriously and reported immediately and appropriately.
Can I bring a child to a match, and what facilities are available?
Every supporter, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket to enter the stadium. It is not advisable to bring a very small child or baby to a game but, if you do, we suggest you provide them with ear protectors as it can be very loud and also to choose seats at least 20 rows back from the pitch to prevent any injuries from the ball coming into the crowd.
We advise you arrive in plenty of time and familiarise yourself with the stadium. At the end of the game, it is advisable to allow the crowds to disperse before leaving your seats.
If you are concerned that your child might get lost, we recommend you give your child a safety card and pop it in their pocket. The safety card should include the child’s forename and a contact telephone number of the responsible person with them at the match. We advise you supervise your child to the toilet and keep hold of their hand when walking through the crowds as the stadium becomes extremely busy. All children should be given their ticket details and keep these throughout their visit to help with relocating a child if they become separated.
Manchester United recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children visiting Old Trafford and has a commitment to practice which protects them. As part of this commitment, Under-16 match tickets cannot be booked without an adult in the booking. Any child under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an individual aged 16 or over.
There should be adequate adult to child ratios to ensure supervision of larger groups of children at matches. We strongly advise that you conduct your own risk assessment prior to attending the stadium on the day of the match. All children should be given their ticket details and keep these throughout their visit to help with relocating a child if they become separated.
If you lose your child, please tell the nearest steward at the earliest opportunity and agree where to wait while your child is found.
Advise your child that if they get separated they should tell the nearest steward. There is a Match Day Safeguarding Team on duty at every match who will assist with reuniting children.
At all times the supervision of children remains the accountability of the responsible person or organiser, who must ensure that any children are supervised at all times.
If you are concerned about the conduct of any person in relation to a child, please inform a steward (or police officer if it is more serious) who will be prepared to help. If you decide at a later date that you need to report your concerns, please email safeguarding@manutd.co.uk.
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