Kevin and his wife Nicola were special guests at the annual conference on child protection in football and pledged their backing for The FA’s leadership on Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks.

Speaking to a packed, hushed audience Mr Wells spelt out his commitment to safeguarding children and his determination to help The FA deliver their plans.

“I would not be here if it wasn’t for the events everyone is familiar with,” said Kevin.

“But if anyone has any doubts or is wavering in any way about whether they should be bothered to complete CRB checks, I can only say it is worth it. It can make a difference and it can help to safeguard children’s lives.”

Amongst the other speakers at Derby County's Pride Park were The FA’s Head of Child Protection, Tony Pickerin, who said: “Kevin and his wife were an inspiration.

"I believe we are showing leadership when it comes to safeguarding children, but we know we can never do enough. Our plans to roll out CRB checks along with child protection training and learning to every club and league in the country – along with every adult with access to children – is ambitious. But we believe safeguarding children is and must always be a priority for The FA.”

Phillip Noyes from the NSPCC presented The FA with the Child Protection in Sport Safeguarding Children award and added: “The FA are to be commended for showing leadership in child protection.”

Andy Martin from the Youth Sport Trust also spoke to the conference on the importance of empowering children. “We must enable them to speak for themselves and be a part of the decision making process.

"If we believe in children and allow them to speak for themselves we always find they have something to say.”

The conference was opened with a class from Woodborough school in Nottinghamshire performing No Matter What live to the audience of over 300. Headmaster Jeff Ellis said: “It was a fantastic experience for the children and for me. We were delighted to be involved and wish The FA every success.”