Lincolnshire FA have been made aware of a small number of individuals posing as Lincoln City FC scouts and attending grassroots matches across the County. 

The club have raised the serious safeguarding concern with us, in which one person had gone to the length of learning the names of some of the club’s staff and approached parents and the team coach, and even told a young boy that he was being offered a contract with the club. 

This has been passed on to Lincolnshire Police, with whom we will now assist in their investigations where necessary. 

The safeguarding of all individuals involved in grassroots football is the highest of priorities for Lincolnshire FA and is embedded across the organisation. 

We continue to offer our support to Lincoln City Football Club in this matter, as well as the individuals and their families involved in this case. 

Lincoln City have clarified for the avoidance of doubt that they do not use scouts who use social media to recruit players. Their recruitment staff always follow correct procedures and will never ask for money in return for a 'trial'.

A scout will always contact the grassroots club secretary prior to the visit as a matter of professional courtesy, the coach of the young player will then also be informed of the visit. The scout will always introduce themselves to the coach and the family, they will always be in club kit and will be able to show you their club ID badge. If the scout feels that a trial is going to be offered, they will then invite the family to the club at an agreed time - scouts will never offer lifts to the child.

Pictures of Lincoln City’s club scouts and their names can be found on their website HERE. 

Any safeguarding concerns in Football across the County can be raised with Lincolnshire FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Mark Johnson, who can be contacted on 01522 596580 or via email at Mark.Johnson@lincolnshirefa.com.

For more information about Safeguarding, click here.