Protecting children in sport

Sir,

The personal testimony of the men and boys in the final independent report into non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football – who have shown incredible courage – demonstrates how needed this independent review has been.

The abuse young players have suffered in football is inexcusable and heart-breaking. By bravely speaking up, they provided the catalyst for the review and the changes that will come from it are thanks to them.

We welcome the ongoing work the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has carried out in light of the report’s recommendations and encourage them to continue their progress.

The SFA is showing it is willing to listen and implement changes that ensure no more children suffer the experiences described in the report.

We are pleased to see children and young people’s involvement in the process, including the consultation with the Scottish Children’s Parliament. The voices of children and young people are crucial to developing improvements for their own wellbeing and safety and to change a culture where children can be frightened to speak up.

Safeguarding in Sport, a partnership between Children 1st and sportscotland, has developed the Standards for Child Wellbeing and

Protection in Sport, which state children have a right to express their views and have their voice taken into account.

We are keen to support the SFA in its continued implementation of the recommendations to create a culture in football where we can be sure that every child is safe to enjoy the huge benefits of participating in sport.

Any volunteer or official looking for advice or support about a child can contact safeguardinginsport@children1st.org.uk or contact the Children 1st Parentline service on 08000 282233 or online at www.children1st.org.uk/parentline.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive, Children 1st.