Forres Mechanics welcome review into historic sexual abuse in football, in which club is named
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FORRES Mechanics have welcomed an independent review into historic sexual abuse in football, in which the club is named.
The SFA-commissioned review looked into cases of historic sexual abuse dating back to the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Forres Mechanics were named in the report – with abuse from former club secretary John Henderson, referred to only as H in the report, detailed.
Mr Henderson was jailed for the abuse, but has since been released. He remains on the sex offender's register.
Mechanics have released a statement in which the club says it "regrets" being associated with the matter and insists "necessary safeguards" are in place to prevent a repeat.
"The board of Forres Mechanics Football Club welcomes the publication of the SFA report on sexual abuse and the SFA apology on behalf of the national game," a club statement read.
"We regret that our club has been associated with this matter but wish to emphasise that all the necessary safeguards are in place to prevent any such behaviour being associated with the club today or in the future."
The review concluded that nobody at Forres Mechanics knew about allegations of sexual abuse involving Mr Henderson and a teenage boy who joined the club in 1979.
Referred to only as N in the report, the young player joined Forres Mechanics in 1979 at the age of 14.
He alleged that Henderson put his arm around him and touched his knee before touching him on his private parts through his clothing. N alleged that this always happened when the other players were present.
He further alleged that Henderson also watched the players when they were having showers, and on another occasion had pulled down his shorts and underpants.
Despite this he felt that he was able to move on and has had a successful life with strong relationships and a good career. N told no-one else other than his parents who did not make a complaint to Forres Mechanics.
The review concluded that nobody at Forres Mechanics, or in Scottish football, knew of these allegations at the time.
The report heard 33 personal accounts from victims dating back to the early 1970s, involving more than ten clubs in Scotland.
The report added: "The consequences of sexual abuse for these young men, in terms of their mental health and wellbeing, are often profound.
"These consequences go way beyond the physical pain or repulsion they experience at the time of the abuse. They also go beyond the worry and severe confusion they experience at the time in respect of their own identity and feelings, the impact of disclosure and the stigma.
"The mental health consequences of what happened to these young men are life long."
The review stated that many people who have experienced sexual abuse or exploitation in Scottish football have not come forward.
It is recommended that all staff (whether professional players, managers, coaches, support staff, volunteers or whoever) are made aware of how to respond, both interpersonally and in terms of onward protection and wellbeing, to personal revelations of experience of sexual abuse or other possible mental health problems.
"Nobody in Scottish football should be left in any doubt as to the seriousness of this issue and the ongoing consequences and impact of these alleged events," it added.
"We should be equally clear that there is a possibility of such events still occurring and it is unacceptable for everyone involved in Scottish football not to be fulfilling their responsibilities to protect young people involved with the game."
