FOUL

350 Reported Child Sex Abuse in U.K. Soccer Teams

New hotline received 860 calls in one week.

Around 350 people have reported child sex abuse within U.K. youth soccer clubs, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which says it has received a “significant number of calls” detailing incidents in which players were abused by coaches. The council recently created a hotline through which individuals can call to report abuse. In the first week alone, they received 860 calls. As many as 15 police units are investigating the claims, which span decades. “We are working closely with the Football Association to ensure that the response to this significant and growing number of victims, at all levels of football, is coordinated effectively,” said Simon Bailey, the council’s head of child protection.