In 2016, British football was rocked by a series of high-profile revelations regarding child sexual abuse. Several former players bravely waived their right to anonymity to speak out about their past abuse. A number of those involved set up The Offside Trust, an organisation committed to supporting survivors and working to make sport safer for children.

Our aims are to:

End abuse in sport, so kids can be kids; and
Support the healing journey of survivors of abuse.

The Offside Trust works alongside governing bodies, charities and organisations that deal with safeguarding. We are established as an independent body to work alongside clubs, organisations and other charitable bodies to further enhance safeguarding at all levels of sport.

We are an organisation run by survivors, for survivors. We can help you navigate the first steps along your healing journey and offer practical advice and support from people who understand exactly what you are going through.

Further information

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in sport, there are a number of resources available.

The FA have commissioned a dedicated NSPCC helpline for adults who were abused in childhood within the football industry from grassroots to Premier League. If you would like to speak to somebody the free NSPCC helpline for guidance and support is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642. Our friends at Survivors Manchester (www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk) and Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) have help and support available if you need to talk.

If you think that a child is in immediate danger please dial 999.
If you are a child who needs help, please call Childline on 0800 11 11.

For more information see our website: http://www.offsidetrust.com