Offside Trust: 'Eighty sports coaches convicted of child sex abuse'

The Offside Trust, a new organisation committed to supporting survivors and working to make sport safer for all, have reported that eighty sports coaches have been convicted of child sex abuse. 

More than a third of cases have taken place in the last five years.

Former Crewe footballer and director of the Offside Trust Steve Walters, who was abused by Bennell, told the 'BBC'':

"What these latest figures confirm is that child sexual abuse in sport is not just historic. It is still going on today, particularly at grassroots level and it affects every sport.

"We must be vigilant and make sure that we continue to raise awareness, especially among younger people, as well as supporting survivors to come forward and speak their truth."

The Offside Trust said the research has been drawn from media reports because no official breakdown currently exists.

They claim it does not not necessarily represent the complete picture, with the real figure likely to be much higher.

Walters added: "It's been two years since I spoke out with former team-mates to waive our anonymity.

"In that short time, we have seen several high-profile court cases involving abuse that occurred 20 or 30 years ago and we're particularly proud that our actions have inspired so many others to come forward to seek justice."