Introduction
Whilst it is a parent’s responsibility to decide whether their child attends a football match, the
the first question they should ask is whether it is appropriate to take them along with you based on:
their age, resilience, the time of the match, the predicted weather conditions, the noise, the
crowds and any other associated risks?
Stadium Rules
There are a number of Club rules relating to children visiting the stadium:
• Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied;
• Anyone accompanying someone under the age of 14 must be 18 or over; and
• All supporters entering the Stadium, regardless of age, will have to purchase their own
ticket. This includes babes in arms. This is a safety requirement that we must adhere to
remain compliant with our Stadium licensing conditions.
Changing Bags
Parents and Guardians can bring a small changing bag into the stadium without prior notification. This can include items such as nappies, wipes, spare clothing milk etc.
Things to be mindful of:
Weather Conditions
Through the football season supporters are likely to experience all weather types. Early and late
season may mean high temperatures and strong sunshine. Mid-winter games, especially at night,
may mean sub-zero temperatures, rain, wind and snow. Frost and ice underfoot may also be an
extra hazard for those carrying or walking with small children.
Be very careful in cold wet and windy conditions. Babies and very small children can become
very cold very quickly, even at times of the year when adults feel it is warm outside. Remember
you may be walking with, carrying or pushing your child and keeping warm through activity
whereas they will more than likely be inactive. They are also unlikely to tell you that they are cold
until it’s too late. Don’t forget – unusually quiet with bright red (and cold) skin doesn’t necessarily
mean they are warm and happy this could be a sign of hypothermia.
If you do choose to bring your child to a match remember to clothe them with layers, at least one
more than you are likely to be wearing and they should really have an outer coat, hat and gloves.
Check the weather forecast before you leave and be prepared for it to be colder or wetter than
predicted. If in doubt they should wear extra clothes – you can always take a layer off.
Remember to check the forecast before leaving for the event, www.bbc.co.uk/weather/m11
Noise
Football matches are noisy events. The noise levels go up and down throughout a match. Small
children have thinner skulls and more sensitive hearing and therefore more prone to hearing
damage than adults. Whilst long-term damage from the noise at football grounds is unlikely, the
peak sounds can reach the same levels experienced in a nightclub. Ear plugs or muffs may help to
protect their hearing and ear muffs in particular may also help to keep them a little bit warmer.
Some children may also find the cheering, singing and chanting in some parts of the stadium a
little frightening. You may also find some supporters occasionally using language that is
inappropriate for young people to hear. The Club has a Family Stand for families where such noise
is less.
Balls
Footballs are hard. If they hit you then they can hurt and even cause injury. In many areas of the
lower supporter seating, there is a risk of being hit by a ball from the pitch. This is even more so
behind the goals or near the corner flags. During the warm-up, there are multiple balls on the pitch
and may come from any angle. Please ensure that you and your child stay alert to the possibility
of a football heading your way whenever you are sitting in your seat (supporters tend not to
concentrate on the on-pitch activities during the warm-up).
Lost Children
We advise you to arrive in plenty of time and leave at least 10 minutes after the final whistle –
this will let you familiarise yourself with the stadium and avoid the bulk of the crowd on both
entry to and exit from the stadium.
Staff at both the Etihad Stadium and Joie Stadium are well-trained and experienced in
providing a safe environment for all our visitors but wherever there are large gatherings of people
there are risks. We aim to have a family-friendly environment but that does not mean common
sense should not prevail. Parents or other chaperones have primary responsibility for the safety
of their children.
Please be aware of where your child is at any time during your visit. Have a plan to meet
somewhere if you get separated (one point inside the stadium and one point outside) or where
to go if they feel lost or worried. Make sure your child knows how to get in contact with you and
that they should go to a steward if they get lost.
Our stewards, who are supported by a designated safeguarding officer on all match and event
days, have a set of arrangements for reuniting lost children and keeping them safe. There are
Lost Child points around the stadium concourse – point them out to your child.
You can go to any steward to raise a concern about a lost child and they will start the process to
get you back together. Make sure your child knows to go straight to a match day steward if they
get separated from you and not to go off with a supporter they do not know.
Emergencies
You should also think about emergencies – could you and your child cope in one? Would they be
safe in the crowd trying to get quickly out of the stadium all at once? If you had to get out quickly
how would you do that safely and together? Where would you meet up outside?
And Finally
We want you and your child to enjoy your visit. If you are bringing a child to the stadium think
about their needs first. If you can’t guarantee their comfort or safety, then please consider
deferring your visit to a time when you can safely enjoy the game!
If you have a concern about a child, then contact the Club’s Safeguarding Team at any time. During
a match, please do not hesitate to report a concern to one of our stewards or ask to speak to one
of our designated Safeguarding Officers, who work all match and event days.
www.mancity.com/fans-and-community/club/safeguarding
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