Ex-footballer names leading South coast club as he reports historic child abuse in football
Former player makes allegation to NSPCC in wake of abuse claims that have rocked the sport
A FORMER footballer has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse linked to when he was a youngster at a well known south coast club.
The ex-player contacted the FA’s NSPCC special helpline on Thursday in the wake of the growing historical child abuse scandal engulfing English football.
He provided information on incidents he claimed took place during his time with the southern club as a schoolboy in the 1980s.
The Sun knows the identity of the player, the club and the coach concerned but for legal reasons cannot reveal any names.
The fact this new club were named is evidence the circle of allegations is widening out from the already reported incidents linked to Crewe, Manchester City and Newcastle.
The player reported an incident of alleged abuse when he was staying overnight at the coach’s house while he was part of the club’s schoolboy system.
The coach is alleged to have reached his arm around the player and attempted to push his hands down his shorts.
The player brushed the attack away, but even though he knew it was wrong was scared to report it because the coach was so influential in deciding who he could help further their careers.
The player also raised other areas of concern linked to the introduction of naked soap massages for the youngsters.
At the time they were allegedly told such treatment was similar to the kind first team players received.
The ex-player says he was encouraged to come forward in the hope others would find the confidence to speak out about their experiences.
And he believes others may have suffered at the hands of the coach, who has never been convicted of any offence.
Hampshire police have confirmed they are investigating a report of historic child abuse related to the football community.
The latest revelations come just hours after two more players came forward to claim the football abuse problem could be worse than the Jimmy Savile horrors.
The Premier League this afternoon released their own statement urging potential victims to come forward.
The statement said: "The Premier League is very concerned by allegations of historic abuse at football clubs and offers sympathy and support to the brave individuals who have come forward.
"Should anyone have information which can assist with these or other allegations we would urge them to contact the relevant authorities.
"The FA has introduced a dedicated hotline, staffed by NSPCC professionals, which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.
"Anyone who wishes to contact the Premier League directly should email our safeguarding team on safeguarding@premierleague.com
"All Premier League clubs believe their Academies, community projects, and stadiums should be safe and welcoming for young people and work hard to ensure that safeguarding provisions are of a high standard.
"The Premier League and its clubs have followed the principles of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit’s national safeguarding standards for over 10 years. Each club employs a dedicated full-time Head of Safeguarding, an Academy Safeguarding Officer, a Community Safeguarding Officer, and nominates a Board member as its safeguarding lead.
"There is no complacency – the League’s own safeguarding team visits each club regularly throughout every season to guide and quality assure their work with children and young people, ensuring their safeguarding provision meets our requirements.
"We will continue to work with clubs, The FA, statutory authorities, and the NSPCC to ensure that clubs continue to be safe places for the young people who engage with them."