Keeping Young Players Warm, Dry and Safeguarded: Why an Athletherm Poncho Makes Sense
When we think about safeguarding children in grassroots sport, our minds naturally turn to things like qualified coaches, appropriate facilities, first aid and creating a safe environment for young players.
But safeguarding also means looking after children’s welfare and wellbeing while they are taking part in sport.
For young footballers, particularly those spending time on the substitutes’ bench, one simple issue can easily be overlooked: keeping them warm and dry in poor weather.
Cold, wet and sitting on the bench
Grassroots football doesn’t stop because the weather turns.
Rain, wind and cold temperatures are part and parcel of playing football in the UK. While the players on the pitch are moving constantly, those waiting on the sidelines can quickly become cold and wet.
This is particularly relevant for children who may spend periods of a match on the bench.
The FA’s safeguarding principles place importance on the welfare of young players, and allowing children to remain cold and wet for extended periods is something coaches and clubs should consider as part of their overall duty of care.
That doesn’t mean bad weather automatically represents a safeguarding concern. Rather, it highlights the importance of taking reasonable steps to protect children from unnecessary discomfort and exposure to the elements.
A simple solution
This is where Athletherm can make a real difference.
Designed specifically with young sports players in mind, the Athletherm poncho provides a practical layer of protection when children are sitting on the sidelines.
It features:
- A waterproof outer layer to help keep rain out
- A warm fleece-lined inner to help retain warmth
- A fixed hood for additional protection from wind and rain
- A large front pocket for gloves and other essentials
- Easy-to-use poppers that allow the poncho to be adapted around the arms
- No zips, making it easy for young players to put on and remove
- Enough room to wear over a football kit and other layers
Most importantly, it can be put on quickly when a player comes off the pitch and needs to stay warm while waiting to return to the action.
More than just a poncho
At Athletherm, we believe the product is about more than simply keeping children dry.
It’s about giving coaches, clubs and parents another practical tool to help look after young players.
A child sitting on the bench shouldn’t have to choose between staying in their wet kit or trying to squeeze into an oversized coat.
The Athletherm poncho is designed to go over their existing football kit, meaning they can stay protected without restricting their movement when they’re called back onto the pitch.
For goalkeepers, there’s an additional benefit. The poncho doesn’t rely on zips, so it can be removed quickly without necessarily having to take gloves off.
Supporting coaches and clubs
Grassroots coaches already have a huge amount to think about on match day.
Team selection. Substitutions. First aid. Equipment. Match officials. Parents. Player welfare.
Having a simple system where players put on their Athletherm poncho as soon as they come off the pitch can become part of the team’s normal match-day routine.
Play → Come off → Poncho on → Stay warm → Ready to go again.
It’s a small change that can make a noticeable difference.
Safeguarding starts with the small things
Safeguarding isn’t only about dealing with serious incidents.
It’s also about creating an environment where children feel safe, comfortable, respected and properly cared for.
Keeping a young player warm and dry while they’re waiting on the sidelines is one small part of that wider responsibility.
For clubs, coaches and parents, an Athletherm poncho provides a straightforward way to help protect young players from the elements while allowing them to remain part of the game.
Because grassroots football is played in all conditions.
And when the weather turns, young players should still be able to enjoy the game without sitting on the sidelines freezing cold and soaking wet.
Ready whatever the weather.
Athletherm — born out of football, built for all outdoor sport.