Kids are safe
‘Big changes - and all for the better’says trainer
Football coaches have told parents their children are safe at sports clubs after wide scale abuse has been revealed in sport in the 80s and 90s.
Local teams have set out their child protection policies to reassure the public in the wake of the scandal.
A Fernhill football coach has reassured parents that child protection is vitally important when it comes to starting up a sports club.
Davy O’Neil, 55, who heads up Fernhill Soccer School, insists the ‘ big’ changes within sport in relation to the safeguarding of children, are for the better.
The volunteer is part of the team at the school who aim to offer under-18s the opportunity to play football in a fun and inclusive environment at Fernhill Community Centre.
His views come after more than 20 former footballers came forward wi t h al l e gations of historical abuse in football throughout the UK.
The latest in a number of cases to be revealed saw Pete Haynes, 50, waive his right to anonymity to tell his story of abuse suffered at the hands of Hugh Stevenson, a former youth coach and international linesman in the 1990s.
However, Fe rn h i l l champion Davy has reassured parents that all volunteers must hold a disclosure - a police background check - for each club they are part of.
“There has been big changes, but it is all for the better,” he said. “It [sexual abuse within football] was swept under the carpet in Scotland but everyone and their granny knew. But it didn’t come out because they were big clubs [who were involved].
“It is very hard to start a club up now because ev e r yone needs a disclosure.
“You need one for every club you are at. It is a very hard process but you must have one in place.
“We have two child protection officers working with us and it’s important to have them.”
Regional MSP James Kelly agreed with Davy’s comments and added: “Parents are right to be vigilant, however the child protection rules in place with local sports clubs will give reassurance.
“It’s important to give them reassurance if they are sending their child along to a sports club.”
The soccer school is not the only club in the area to hold a strict policy on child protection.
Queen’s Park FC recognise their responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young players from the dangers of all forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
A statement from their policy online reads: “Every child / vulnerable adult, who plays or participates in football under the Queens Park umbrella, should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse and the fear of abuse.”