By Belfast Children’s Football Coach Removed
A coach in Belfast has been permanently removed from a children’s football club and the FonaCab Development League after posting an apparent drugs menu in a WhatsApp group containing around 400 coaches from 300 grassroots teams. The group is typically used to arrange match fixtures and team schedules, with no children present.
Incident Details
The under-eights coach shared an image that appeared to show a price list for drugs, including meet-up locations and a note stating “time wasters will be blocked.” The message was reportedly deleted shortly after being posted.
The local club confirmed the coach was “removed with immediate effect” and stated that this behavior is “completely unacceptable” within their organization. All vetting procedures were followed in accordance with the Irish Football Association (IFA) guidelines, and the incident came as a shock to the club.
League Response
FonaCab Development League acted quickly to remove the coach from all league activities and informed the relevant safeguarding personnel. The league clarified that while it cannot monitor every message shared between coaches, it has clear expectations of behavior and addresses any conduct that breaches professionalism or child safeguarding policies immediately.
Official Statements
The Belfast club emphasized its commitment to player well-being and stated that the matter is being treated with “utmost urgency.” The league also thanked the many coaches who consistently uphold its values and behavioral standards.
Conclusion
The coach’s removal highlights the importance of maintaining professional conduct and safeguarding within youth sports. Authorities and clubs continue to ensure that children’s welfare remains a top priority across all teams and leagues.
