FOOTBALL clubs in the ParkerSteel East Kent Youth League have the chance to discuss child welfare in a specially convened meeting at Margate's Winter Gardens on Tuesday, January 27.

The league have called a special general meeting to give club managers, secretaries and coaches the opportunity to learn more about child welfare and development.

Backed by league sponsors Parker Steel the evening will feature a presentation by the Kent County FA's education unit and officers of the league will also be present to answer questions. It starts at 7.30pm.

League treasurer Keith Vaughan, explained: "The welfare of children is paramount. We have called the meeting so that we can clarify a few things for people, such as what they can and can't do.

"We also want to let them know what is out there in terms of courses relating to child welfare and development.

"There will also be a question and answer session so that people can bring up any issues they aren't sure about. We made it a sgm so that every club must send a representative."

Mr Vaughan says clubs will also be given information about how to qualify for the FA Charter Mark, given only to clubs which have reached high levels in administration.

He added: "We're proud of the fact that our league have more clubs with Charter Marks than any other in the contry. The mark is a benchmark for the way a club is run. It means they have designated child protection officers and that their managers have been on courses."