Clubs must ensure abuse can’t happen

The drive to root out child abusers from every facet of British life has concentrated on politics, showbusiness, the voluntary sector and now football. Despite the shock being expressed as allegations and admissions are made, it is easy to see how predators, with easy access to young boys, got away with their crimes in previous decades.

In the days before the strict disclosure procedures were put in place which now protect youngsters and those working with them, it was far harder to assess those seeking to take advantage of the relatively lax system.

Unfortunately boys were entrusted to clubs and let down in the worst way imaginable. Thankfully, it seems things have changed for the better. The Courier gave its local senior football clubs time to digest the nature of the crisis facing the sport before surveying them on actions taken both to root out historic abuse and prevent it happening in the future.

Those we spoke to made it clear they are treating the issue with utmost seriousness and it will not be swept under the carpet – it is being, rightfully, treated as a problem for the sport to deal with collectively.

If there is to be any small crumb of comfort for those whose lives have been ruined by the shameful acts of paedophiles and child abusers who used football as a cover for their actions, it is that procedures are being further tightened so it can never happen again.