Abuse in English Soccer Exposed

Former English soccer players who were subjected to years of sexual abuse by youth team coaches entrusted with their care are breaking cover to expose the game’s dark secrets.

The abuses were first uncovered two decades ago with the conviction in the United States of English coach Barry Bennell, who coached at the academy of northern English professional club Crewe Alexandra, which was renowned as a center for turning raw talent into the complete footballer.

The prospect of boys being turned into well-paid soccer stars meant that parents often handed over control of their children to football clubs and their coaches.

“The club is aware of allegations that Barry Bennell had an association with Manchester City Football Club in the 1980s,” City said in a statement.

But Bennell was jailed for a third time in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to abusing a boy at a football camp in northern England in 1980, prompting a fresh examination of his crimes and potential abuses by other coaches.

“Because of Woodward’s bravery many other ex-players and apprentices are now contacting us it is double figures now and that is a timely warning for everybody in football about our duty of care to these youngsters,” Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said.