Paul Stewart visits Shrewsbury Town

Former England international Paul Stewart delivered a powerful and emotional speech at Shrewsbury Town last week, using his own experiences to highlight the critical importance of safeguarding in football.

One of the greatest English strikers of his generation, Paul had an outstanding playing career that saw him make over 500 senior career appearances.

As well playing for Manchester City and Liverpool, Paul famously scored in the 1991 FA Cup, with that goal inspiring Tottenham to go on and lift the trophy at Wembley.

But behind the success on the pitch, Paul carried a devastating secret throughout his career.

In 2016, he bravely waived his anonymity to speak publicly for the first time about the physical and sexual abuse he suffered as a young boy at the hands of a youth coach while growing up in Manchester.

Arranged by head of safeguarding John Rhodes and head of academy player care Natalie Wood, Paul visited the club to share his story with Shrewsbury Town’s academy players.

The session was also attended by club staff and representatives from supporter groups.

Head of safeguarding John Rhodes said: "We were extremely grateful to welcome Paul Stewart to the club last week, where he spoke to our young players and staff about his story and life experiences.

"Paul is an amazing public speaker. His story is an incredibly hard one to listen to. And there was a lot of emotion in the room.

"But he leaves you in no doubt just how important safeguarding is and how every single person has a role to play.

"The work he continues to do to educate and raise awareness around safeguarding is truly commendable, and we’re thankful to Paul for his openness and bravery.

"After hearing Paul’s harrowing story, the boys were given further information on the support they can receive at the football club and in the academy.

"Shrewsbury Town Football Club remains fully committed to providing a safe and secure environment where young players can develop as both footballers and people.”