The FA and the Premier League have released a joint statement.
The official release made public on Thursday morning.
The EFL and WSL also part of this joint statement.
The official statement beginning: ‘ The Premier League, The FA, EFL and WSL Football stand with all survivors of non-recent child sexual abuse in football and acknowledge the profound and enduring impact it has on the individuals and their loved ones.’
This statement then going on to detail: ‘The FA launched Voices of Truth, an acknowledgement of survivors’ courageous disclosures, which were a landmark moment in English football. Through the collective efforts of Clubs, Leagues, The FA and County FAs, we continue to make significant progress in strengthening safeguarding measures to promote and protect the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.’
The official release then going on to detail: ‘We have further deepened the provision of education and training, and strengthened how Clubs, academies and County FAs are audited and assessed. Reporting pathways are now more effective, and there is clearer oversight and accountability across the game. The annual Play Safe campaign continues to shine a light on the robust preventative measures now in place, highlighting the importance of children and young people’s voices as part of this work and reinforcing that safeguarding is a collective responsibility.’
The statement then adding: ‘Importantly, we also know that this work is never finished; it requires ongoing vigilance, steadfast commitment and bold leadership. We will never waver in our commitment to putting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people at the very heart of our work, while continuing to ensure that support remains accessible to all those affected by abuse.’
The joint release then giving out the following: ‘Information about confidential support services can be found here, with further information also available through Voices of Truth, a new, survivor-led digital platform hosted on The FA website. Any current safeguarding concern about a child or adult at risk should be reported without delay through the appropriate safeguarding reporting channels, or directly to the police in an emergency.’