Avro FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Docherty as our new Head of Safer Sport, a role that will see her lead our comprehensive Safer Sport initiatives encompassing Safeguarding, Discipline, and Player Care, among other vital areas. Louise will also serve as our Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking over from Amy Arthur, who has served admirably as our Head of Safeguarding.
The club has evolved our approach by adopting the term ‘Safer Sport’ to better reflect the comprehensive nature of this crucial work. This expanded framework ensures that safer recruitment practices, safe operational procedures, and the highest standards of care underpin all of the club’s activities across every level of our organisation.
The timing of Louise’s appointment is particularly significant as this weekend, Avro FC will join clubs across the country in supporting the FA’s Play Safe campaign. This important initiative aims to promote awareness of safeguarding in football, reinforcing our commitment to creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the beautiful game safely and positively.
Louise brings a wealth of experience to her new role, combining professional expertise with a genuine passion for youth football. As a football mum herself, Louise understands firsthand the importance of creating safe and positive environments where children can thrive and develop their love for the game.
Currently serving as a Learning, Development & Compliance Manager at a training organisation, Louise has demonstrated her commitment to educational excellence and regulatory compliance. Her career journey includes valuable experience working with a independent football academy that provided football qualifications for young people aged 16 to 24, giving her unique insight into the developmental pathways within football education. Additionally, Louise has contributed her skills to Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service in a Training & Development capacity, further broadening her expertise in safety protocols and emergency preparedness – skills that will prove invaluable in her new role at Avro FC.
Charlie O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Safeguarding Lead, commented on Louise’s appointment and the introduction of our new Safer Sport Team: “We are thrilled to welcome Louise to Avro FC in this pivotal role. Her extensive background in safeguarding, combined with her practical experience in youth development and training, makes her the ideal candidate to lead our Safer Sport initiatives. The establishment of our dedicated Safer Sport Team represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual associated with our club – from our youngest players to our most experienced volunteers – can participate in football within the safest possible environment.”
Louise Docherty, Head of Safer Sport, shared her enthusiasm about joining Avro FC: “I am incredibly excited to join Avro FC and lead the Safer Sport initiatives at such a progressive and community-focused club. Having witnessed the joy that football brings to children and young people, I am passionate about ensuring that this experience is always positive, safe, and nurturing. My goal is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders – players, parents, coaches, and volunteers – to maintain and enhance the excellent standards that Avro FC is known for, while continuously evolving our practices to meet the highest safeguarding standards in modern football.”
The club would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Amy Arthur for her outstanding dedication in leading our safeguarding efforts over recent seasons. During Amy’s tenure, we achieved several significant milestones, including successfully implementing the new Safeguarding Standards at Step 4 of the National League System in partnership with the FA. Her commitment and professionalism have laid a strong foundation for our continued development in this area.
Avro FC looks forward to working with Louise as we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all our players, staff, and community members, ensuring that football remains a source of joy, development, and positive experiences for everyone involved with our club.
