The Somali Football Federation successfully delivered a comprehensive Safeguarding Workshop today for coaches completing their CAF C License certification.
The session was designed to strengthen coaches’ understanding of their duty of care and to ensure that every young player in Somalia develops within a safe, respectful, and supportive football environment.
The workshop introduced coaches to the core principles of safeguarding, including recognising different forms of abuse, understanding behavioural boundaries, creating safe team cultures, and responding appropriately to concerns or incidents.
Participants also explored real-life case studies from global football to better understand how safeguarding violations impact athletes, clubs, and communities.
One of the key aims of the workshop was to equip coaches with practical tools they can apply immediately in their daily work—such as safe communication guidelines, supervision standards, travel and training protocols, and early-warning signs of emotional or physical harm. Coaches were encouraged to reflect on their leadership role and how their actions directly influence the welfare of young players.
“Every coach has a responsibility to protect young players, Safeguarding is not an option; it is an essential part of professional coaching, Our goal is to build a football culture where children feel safe, respected, and able to develop their talent without fear.”
— Abdirashid Mohamud Nor, Safeguarding Officer, Somali Football Federation
Participants expressed appreciation for the session, noting that safeguarding is becoming an important requirement for modern coaching. One of the attending coaches shared:
“This workshop opened our eyes. We learned things that every coach should know, and we now understand how our behaviour can affect the wellbeing of young players. Safeguarding is the foundation of good coaching.”
— CAF C License Coach, Participant
As the federation continues to roll out safeguarding standards nationwide, SFF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child who plays football in Somalia can train, compete, and grow in a secure and respectful environment.
In a football world where safety can never be taken for granted, today’s workshop marks another step in reshaping Somali football into a protected, trusted, and player-centred system — where every child’s wellbeing comes before every whistle, every goal, and every victory.
Somali Football Federation Media Department
Email:info@footballsomalia.so