The Premier League has insisted that there is "no complacency" when it comes to the safeguarding of children and young people at football clubs.
The sport has been rocked in recent days by allegations of historic sexual abuse at a number of football clubs, with numerous police forces carrying out investigations into claims by former players.
The Premier League has vowed to work with the authorities to ensure that its clubs remain safe for young footballers.
"The Premier League is very concerned by allegations of historic abuse at football clubs and offers sympathy and support to the brave individuals who have come forward. All Premier League clubs believe their Academies, community projects, and stadiums should be safe and welcoming for young people and work hard to ensure that safeguarding provisions are of a high standard," read a statement on the official Premier League website.
"The Premier League and its clubs have followed the principles of the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit's national safeguarding standards for over 10 years. Each club employs a dedicated full-time Head of Safeguarding, an Academy Safeguarding Officer, a Community Safeguarding Officer, and nominates a Board member as its safeguarding lead.
"There is no complacency – the League's own safeguarding team visits each club regularly throughout every season to guide and quality assure their work with children and young people, ensuring their safeguarding provision meets our requirements. We will continue to work with clubs, The FA, statutory authorities, and the NSPCC to ensure that clubs continue to be safe places for the young people who engage with them."
Andy Woodward was the first player to speak out about the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of former Crewe Alexandra youth scout Barry Bennell.
Barney Corkhill
