Mr Barwick was addressing a reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for patrons of the NSPCC’s ‘Full Stop’ campaign.

The campaign is the NSPCC’s most ambitious challenge since they were founded more than 100 years ago. The mission is to end cruelty to children – effectively bringing it to a ‘Full Stop’.

Five action programmes have been devised to protect children in every area of their lives, such as at home, at school and in the community.

Mr Barwick told the gathering that some five million children are currently playing football in England every week: “That’s why The FA’s partnership with the NSPCC is so important,” he said.

“We are both committed to changing the culture of safeguarding children through the medium of sport. At The FA, our child protection programme goes under the name of ‘Goal’ and proudly carries the NSPCC ‘Full Stop’ alongside it.

"The NSPCC acts as a critical friend to The FA – honest in their assessment of our plans and programmes, and whose opinions we value greatly. The NSPCC has advised on our case management procedures and assisted in the development of The FA Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Unit,” he added.

“One of the main things that has amazed me since joining The FA is the scale of the game – the sheer numbers involved. We are still working to ensure that every qualified coach, every referee and every medic in English football completes a CRB check through The FA. This is a significant contribution to the ‘Full Stop’ campaign, and the cause of safeguarding children.”

Mr Barwick emphasised how well the partnership between The FA and the NSPCC is making progress – adding that many other governing bodies are now using football’s example to improve their own sport.

He also touched on the positive effect players can have on youngsters as role models.

“Most players are acting as positive role models every day. – and recently the England team launched a campaign to raise awareness or testicular cancer in young men.

 “If there is a lesson from football it is that those hopes and dreams can be nurtured in even the most hostile of environments. From those hopes and dreams can grow the most outstanding success stories.

"I see football in the future providing so many opportunities for children – as, indeed, it has in the past. This matters to me as a father, as much as it does as the Chief Executive of The FA.

“Our commitment is clear. We will strive to ensure those opportunities are always free from abuse, free from fear, free from bullying and free from cruelty of any kind.”

Further information
www.nspcc.org.uk

To report any instances of abuse, discrimination or racism in football
Telephone freephone 0800 085 0508