Tuesday September 22nd 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Disclosure Scotland is urging everyone working or volunteering in youth football, including coaches, officials, and club administration staff, to check whether they are legally required to be part of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, following concerns that some clubs may not be complying with the law.
It is a criminal offence to work or volunteer in a regulated role, such as a youth football coach, without holding a valid PVG scheme membership. It is also a criminal offence for organisations, like youth football clubs, to allow someone to carry out a regulated role without receiving a PVG scheme disclosure from Disclosure Scotland.
Disclosure Scotland is responsible for processing PVG scheme applications and works closely with Police Scotland and sporting bodies to help protect children and vulnerable groups from harm. Anyone unsure of their obligations under the scheme is being urged to check their legal requirement now, rather than risk prosecution.
Scott Robertson, Scottish Youth Football Association (FA) Board Chairman, said:
“It is the first priority of the Scottish Youth FA to make football as safe a space as possible for all our young players. All new coaches and officials must follow the Safe Selection process and that includes applying for a GrassrootsFootball PVG.
“The Scottish Youth FA will work with the Scottish Women’s, ParaFootball, the Scottish FA, Disclosure Scotland and Police Scotland to ensure only those who have completed the Safe Selection Process can work with our young players. We have and will continue to report any illegal activity to the Police.”
Anyone working or volunteering in youth football who is unsure whether they need to be part of the PVG scheme is encouraged to visit Disclosure Scotland’s website for more information.
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