1.Guiding principles
LeanPlay's safeguarding framework is informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the FIFA Guardians safeguarding framework, Article 19 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and the enhanced protections afforded to children under the GDPR.
Where a safeguarding consideration conflicts with a commercial or sporting interest, the safeguarding consideration prevails.
2.Guardian verification and consent
No profile of a player under eighteen may be created, published or shared without a verified parent or legal guardian who has provided documented, specific and informed consent. Consent is granular: separate authorisations are required for profile creation, disclosure of documents, disclosure of footage and contact by a named club or agent.
Consent may be withdrawn at any time and takes immediate effect prospectively. Withdrawal triggers removal of the profile from discovery and revocation of all outstanding access grants.
3.Contact controls
The platform contains no public messaging, no follower mechanics and no unsolicited contact features. Any approach to a minor must be initiated as a formal, logged request routed to the guardian, who may accept or refuse. Attempts to obtain direct contact details outside the platform constitute a material breach of the Acceptable Use Policy.
4.International transfer of minors
Users are reminded that the international transfer or first registration of a player under eighteen is prohibited save where a recognised exception applies and the competent FIFA sub-committee has granted approval. LeanPlay will not facilitate discovery workflows that presuppose an unlawful transfer and may require evidence of the applicable exception before enabling club access.
5.Data minimisation for children
Profiles of minors are private by default, are excluded from public indexing, display the minimum data necessary for legitimate evaluation, and are never used for behavioural advertising or third-party model training. Identity documents relating to minors are stored with restricted access, encrypted at rest and released only under a time-limited, guardian-approved grant.
6.Personnel screening and training
LeanPlay staff and contractors with access to data relating to minors are subject to background screening where lawful, contractual confidentiality obligations and mandatory annual safeguarding training. A designated Safeguarding Officer holds operational responsibility and reports to the advisory board.
7.Reporting concerns
Any concern about the welfare of a young person may be raised at safeguarding@leanplayfootball.com. Reports may be made anonymously. Concerns are triaged within twenty-four (24) hours, and credible allegations are referred to the competent child protection authority, law enforcement and, where relevant, FIFA or the national association.
LeanPlay prohibits retaliation against any person who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith and treats such reports as protected disclosures where the applicable whistleblower framework so provides.