Donna Ali the Safeguarding Superstar | Why Club Welfare Officers Matter

When Donna Ali’s son Haydem first stepped onto the mats in 2023, she never expected that Taekwondo would become such an important part of her family’s lives, or that she would become as involved in the club community as she has.

Three years later, Haydem is working towards his Black Belt, her daughter Anna has flourished into a confident Red Belt, and Donna herself has taken on a vital role within the club as Club Welfare Officer at Chi Chilton Taekwondo.

It’s a journey that demonstrates just how much Taekwondo has to offer beyond competition and gradings, while highlighting the importance of creating environments where every member feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

“It’s just been a huge part of our lives since they started,” Donna said. “It’s such a good thing for them and it’s had a huge impact on their lives.

“My daughter in particular really suffered with her confidence, and it’s brought her on leaps and bounds. To be able to do it alongside like-minded people and meet new friends, she’s just a different person because of it.

“Even now, the thought of missing a class really upsets her because it’s so much part of her life and what she likes to do. So it’s been wonderful, really.”

For Donna, seeing her children develop through Taekwondo has reinforced the importance of creating an environment where young people feel encouraged, included and valued. The confidence gained on the mats often extends beyond training, helping students develop friendships, resilience and a belief in their own abilities.

That positive environment is something Donna has experienced herself at Chi, a club built around strong community spirit and a shared commitment to helping students progress.

The club – which is run by Head Coach Paul Metcalfe – creates a place where students of all ages can train, develop and feel part of something.

After initially supporting from the sidelines, Donna’s connection with the club deepened, as she was invited to take on a role that would allow her to support the wider community around her.

“It was a pleasure to be asked by Paul to become Club Welfare Officer, I was really honoured to be asked and trusted to do it,” she explained.

“It’s a nice role to have, you get to know all the parents and you can be there to make sure it’s a safe environment for everybody.

That accessibility is exactly why British Taekwondo encourages every affiliated club to have a registered Club Welfare Officer. While they don’t need to attend every class, Welfare Officers are available, approachable and appropriately trained to support members, parents, coaches and volunteers whenever concerns arise.

Chi Chilton have followed best club practice by appointing two Club Welfare Officers, with Assistant Coach Phil Atkinson also registered and able to offer assistance to those who need it.

Donna believes it’s a role that benefits everyone involved in a club.

“I don’t think people realise just how important it is to have these things in place in a sports club because things can go wrong, can’t they?

“People can have concerns and they need someone to go to, so it’s good that our club has been so on top of it and wanted to put something in place.

“First and foremost it’s about being a friendly face and making yourself known. I let people know I’m there to support them if anything should happen.

“It’s just about being there and trying to support in those situations, making sure the kids are happy.”

Having experienced several different sporting environments through her children, Donna feels British Taekwondo’s approach to safeguarding provides an important foundation for clubs.

“We’ve found all the clubs fabulous, but I find that it is a great structure in British Taekwondo.

“The fact that they are making sure there’s a welfare officer in every club and there are set rules to follow, I just find that really impressive.

“It’s just so important to have those rules in place, to be aware of them, and to make sure that those rules reach people and they know the support is there if they need it.”

For Donna, the role of a Club Welfare Officer is about helping to protect the positive experiences that make Taekwondo such a valuable part of people’s lives.

At Chi Chilton Taekwondo, that sense of community has helped students thrive, with coaches and senior grades playing an important role in supporting those coming through the club.

“The classes that Paul holds are really fun, really energetic, and there’s been loads of good feedback from the students.

“When students really give it a go and give it a good run, they tend to stay because it is such a positive, inspiring environment.

“All the Black Belts are just so supportive. It’s like one big family, really.

“We take absolute pride in working together as a small management team of four. Paul Metcalfe is our Lead Coach, while Phil Atkinson is our Assistant Coach and also our second Welfare Officer.

“Laura Metcalfe also does a fabulous job managing the club’s finance and administration, keeping everything organised and in check.

“I genuinely believe that having a strong management team who work closely together is paramount to ensuring the smooth and seamless running of the club.”

That sense of belonging is exactly what safeguarding helps to protect. When members know they are training in a positive environment, supported by qualified coaches and with a trained Welfare Officer they can speak to if they ever have concerns, everyone benefits.

When members feel valued and protected, they are able to enjoy Taekwondo, build confidence and continue their own journey within the martial art. For Donna, that’s what makes the role so worthwhile.

“Everybody should look into it and realise just how important it is for each and every member of the club. It’s not just the students, it’s for parents and for the coaches themselves, just to have somebody to go to and check in with.

“Club Welfare Officers are there for a reason, and that’s to keep everybody safe and everybody happy.”

British Taekwondo is committed to ensuring every affiliated club provides a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Appointing a trained Club Welfare Officer is an important part of that commitment, helping every member enjoy all the benefits our martial art has to offer, both on and off the mat.