Welcome to Hough End Griffins

Hough End Griffins JFC came into existance in 2005 after a group of football loving parents decided to create a new community focused junior football club in South Manchester. Since this time the club have gone from strength to strength, driven principally by parent volunteers we now have 18 teams and over 250 children playing regular football. In 2010 and 2014 the club received the FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year Award.

England legends Gary Neville, Gary Pallister and Martin Keown were joined by McDonald’s Head of Coaching Eric Harrison to host a coaching masterclass celebrating the clubs long term dedication to the local community.

This document outlines actions to be taken before, during and after all competitive grassroots football activity in England. It should be read in conjunction with the latest UK Government Covid-19 guidance available here and the more detailed guidance document produced by The FA, available below.

In outdoor competitive training and matches, physical contact is now allowed, but for all other activity (e.g. warm-ups/cool-downs) the Government guidance on social distancing should be observed, read here

Should Government guidance change in response to the current Covid-19 Alert Level, The FA guidance will be updated accordingly.

In response to the serious events relating to child safety and ongoing abuse allegations in junior football, we would like to make you aware as a Club we put safeguarding as a priority.

Within the club there is a designated Club Welfare Officer (CWO) with clear systems in place to deal with any concerns. All our coaches undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formally CRB) and managers of each team have a minimum FA Level 1 coaching qualification. Coaching courses focus heavily on the safety and welfare of children and have specific Safeguarding and Emergency Aid modules which need to be updated every three years to maintain qualification.

Reporting a concern about a child is everyone’s responsibility. If you are worried about a child or a situation then you should report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer Cheryl Struckman at welfare@houghendgriffins.com

Alternatively, you can contact the Manchester County FA Welfare Officer Helen Murphy helen.murphy@manchesterfa.com or email the FA directly via safeguarding@thefa.com

If the matter is urgent and you cannot contact your club or County FA, call the NSPCC 24hr Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

If it is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate risk, then call the police or children’s social care in your area.

By working together will help to ensure that our children play the game in a safe, friendly, fun environment.

Kean Bryan has always had one eye on the next level. From early beginnings at Hough End Griffins, where he was spotted by a scout playing an age group above his own and brought to the Manchester City Academy, to the present where he has already represented the under-21s, the 17-year-old has been confident holding his own against those older than himself.

"The Life of Bryan" is an exclusive in-depth look into the life and career of 17 year old EDS starlet Kean Bryan. CityTV speak to his family and the man who found Kean on the playing fields of South Manchester, Hough End Griffins U16 coach Bevan Gibson.

This video shows several children involved in different sports describing how the behaviour of parents/spectators deteriorates when they wear their 'magic sports kit' -- i.e. when they compete. They talk about a range of bad adult behaviours and how these negatively impact on them. They then describe and promote positive behaviour.

Hough End Griffins supports The FA's Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment. Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.