(WARNING: This podcast contains material which is upsetting)
Season 3 of the ‘Parents in Sport Podcast’ gets underway as former professional footballer Paul Stewart and Gordon MacLelland discuss a life in football, living through child abuse and helping support parents in protecting their own children.
Paul suffered horrific abuse as a child by a youth football coach, which led him to an adult life of drink, drugs and suicidal thoughts. Paul’s story was featured in BBC1’s “Football’s Darkest Secret”.
His story is one of the most powerful stories you will hear, but it will bring hope as he still managed to succeed despite his experience.
During the conversation they discuss amongst other things:
- Paul’s memories of professional football
- Comparing todays academy environments to days gone by
- The importance of developing people as well as footballers in academy environments
- The fine line between expectation and pressure
- Parents feeling empowered to have a voice in the journey of their children without the fear of negative ramifications
- Giving children a voice in the process and asking great questions
- Being groomed as a young footballer
- Suffering sexual abuse as a child by his coach for 4 years
- The long term effect of child abuse including drink and drugs, depression and suicidal thoughts
- Breaking the news to his family and elderly parents
- The joy at helping and supporting young people and parents in his current role
- The importance of parents asking the right questions before leaving their prized possessions in other people’s care
- Keeping an eye on your children’s personality and any significant changes in their demeanour and the language they use
- The importance of everyone involved in sport having a voice and being open and transparent
Paul now works as a safeguarding advocate, talking openly and honestly about the impact abuse had on his life. He now works within football for the EFL and Premiership education in helping academy players and staff to cope with the pressure that football brings.
To find out more about Paul’s safeguarding work and details about his learning course click here.
If you would like to read Paul’s story ‘Damaged’ then click here.
Additional Reading
Career Assistance in Elite Sport
Home Alone – Reflections of a sporting parent
