JUNIOR football coaches in Huddersfield will have their pasts investigated in a clampdown on paedophiles.
West Riding County Football Association, which covers the Huddersfield and District Bupa Junior League, has introduced new ID cards for anyone involved with young players.
This includes managers, coaches or adults who just give lifts to youngsters to away matches.
The ID cards are the first of their kind in the country.
They will be issued only after the Criminal Records Bureau has run a full check on the person and a photograph has been supplied.
Anyone who refuses to have their record checked will not be able to be involved with the players.
ID cards are already issued to coaches but the holders are not subjected to police checks.
John Riordan, West Riding County FA spokesman, is confident about the scheme.
He said: "We have issued cards to those involved with youngsters since 1999 but there has never been any way of being certain of people.
"Now we can make sure the people who are trusted to look after the children are suitable for the job.
"Because junior football is largely run by volunteers, in the past it has been open to abuse.
"But that is no longer the case."
Mr Riordan said the scheme had received criticism from some who said it would drive people away from junior football.
"If people are really committed to the sport and the kids then they will have the check, get the card and be free to be involved," he said.
"The bottom line is that if this stops one child being abused or molested then it has worked."
