“It’s vital that everybody involved with children - in any sport at all - knows what is best practice. Certainly I learned a lot from attending the course at the Wye Valley School at Bourne End in Buckinghamshire,” he admits.

“Even though my interest in football is no secret, it’s not unusual for people outside football to go to these workshops.

“There are many people who deal with youngsters in some capacity other than football, such as scouts, guides or after-school clubs who find the things they learn invaluable,” Sir Clive adds.

“It was interesting to be advised on how to spot things like signs and indications of abuse, and what action to take if concerned about a child or young person’s welfare.”

During the Rugby World Cup, Sir Clive and several of the England squad built up good relations with local schools by paying visits and coaching the children.

“One of the reasons I think that tour was so successful was due to the fact that everything was planned meticulously in advance – and that included time to have informal sessions with youngsters, such as coaching and answering their questions. It really was appreciated by everybody and I think added to the general feeling of goodwill which helped us through the competition," he says.

“I think The FA Child Protection and Best Practice Workshops can give you more self-confidence when working with children, and it certainly gives you a greater knowledge to pass onto others about safeguarding youngsters.”

The FA’s Head of Child Protection, Tony Pickerin, is delighted that Sir Clive has been able to attend the workshop: “I know that he’s a very busy man, and it’s wonderful for us to see that such a high-profile sporting personality has found the time to come along to an FA Child Protection and Best Practice Workshop,” he says.

“We remain committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in football, and our programme has received many plaudits along the way. It means a lot to us that Sir Clive should think it so beneficial.”

Sir Clive is now busy putting the final touches to planning the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, with the opening game scheduled for June 4th, and the first test in Christchurch on June 25th.