The Bluebirds have published a new inclusion policy in advance of the new season, demonstrating our commitment to promoting a welcoming environment to all at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.

During the 2021/22 season, as we look to welcome supporters back on match-days, it is important that we continue to foster the family friendly atmosphere we have developed at Haverfordwest. We want supporters, new and old, from Pembrokeshire and beyond, to be part of the Bluebirds journey.

Over the last 12 months we have seen how parts of our community have become isolated and suffered loss like never before however, we have seen the important role the club has to play across the Town, particularly with its community work.

We have a range of projects, from supporting carers, girls football and mental health, to running a competition for young people to design our men’s first team kit. We want to continue to build upon this work and our new policy sets out our commitment to supporting all sections of our community, in the same way they support us.

The policy is as follows:

Inclusion Policy

Haverfordwest County AFC supports The Football Association of Wales (FAW) More Than a Game strategy and it’s anti-discrimination regulations. The FAW is responsible for setting the standards, values and expectations of all Clubs in relation to equality, inclusion and diversity. Football is for everyone; it belongs to, and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it, whether as a player, official, staff member or spectator.
Aim
The aim of Haverfordwest County AFC’s Inclusion Policy is to promote participation in our club, from every section of our community, and in doing so, help to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. All Haverfordwest County AFC representatives should abide and adhere to this Policy and to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We want people from Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire to be able to engage in our community programmes and enjoy attending the Bridge Meadow Stadium as fans, without discrimination or prejudice.
Commitment
That commitment is to promote inclusion and to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity and to encourage equal opportunities. These are known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010. Haverfordwest County AFC also expect all fans, supporters, players, staff, volunteers and representatives to extend this fair treatment to other groups, such as those on low income, homeless community, asylum seekers and refugees and offenders under rehabilitation.
Accountability
This Policy is fully supported by the Board of Haverfordwest County AFC and covers all operations of the club, including the academy, community programmes and all other areas of the business. Complaints regarding discriminatory language or behaviour on social media or on match-days will be treated in a zero tolerance manner and the club reserves the right to terminate employment, membership, right to participate in our community programmes or attend fixtures at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, should this policy be breached. The Board reserve the right to suspend employment, membership or other benefits whilst any investigation takes place.

Haverfordwest County AFC will ensure that it treats everyone fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities. Every staff member, Board member, official, spectator, fan and visiting teams can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to work and watch football in an environment without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.

Complaints and compliance
Haverfordwest County AFC regards all of the forms of discriminatory behaviour, as unacceptable, and is concerned to ensure that individuals feel able to raise any bona fide grievance or complaint related to such behaviour without fear of being penalised for doing so. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee, member or volunteer, spectator or fan who is found, after a full investigation, to have violated the Inclusion Policy.

Complaints can be submitted in writing to: enquiries@hcafc1899.football

We will aim to respond within 5 working days. As with our Safeguarding Policy, depending on the nature of concerns, it may be necessary to share information with FAW or Police and Haverfordwest County AFC is committed to supporting authorities with any investigation.
If you do not feel comfortable reporting concerns to the club directly, you can report to FAW via their website.