There are new requirements from the FA for open-age adult teams affiliating for the 2023/24 season and beyond. 

These updates come as part of The FA's Safeguarding 365 requirements to ensure that football is safer and more enjoyable for all.

These changes are:

1. All clubs with open-age adult teams are required to have a named Club Welfare Officer at the point of affiliation from 2023/24 season onwards.

2. All eligible Club Welfare Officers (Adult Teams) are required to have an in date and accepted DBS check at the point of affiliation from the start of the 2024/25 season onwards.

3. All Club Welfare Officers (Adult Teams) are required to have in-date Player Welfare Course qualification at the point of affiliation from the start of the 2024/25 season onwards.

4. All open-age team officials of teams with under-18 players (coaches, managers, medics (including assistants)) are required to have an in date and accepted DBS from the start of the 2024/25 season.

5. All open-age team officials of teams with under-18 players are required to have in date Player Welfare Course qualification from the start of the 2024/25 season.