The NSPCC’s hotline for football sexual abuse victims has received more than 1,700 calls

The NSPCC's dedicated hotline for those affected by historic sexual abuse in football has received more than 1,700 calls in three weeks.

The confidential line was set up by the child protection charity and the FA a week after former player Andy Woodward revealed the abuse he suffered as a boy in Crewe's youth set-up.

Woodward's revelation prompted a huge response from victims with similar stories of non-recent abuse at clubs up and down the country. According to the latest police figures, 83 potential suspects have been identified at 98 clubs.

Those numbers look set to grow as the NSPCC helpline has taken more than 900 calls in the last fortnight alone, taking the total to 1,767 calls as of December 13.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: "It's clear that for far too long, hundreds of people who suffered abuse as youngsters in the game have not been able to speak up, but it is encouraging that so many are finally finding their voice in a climate today where they know they will be listened to and supported.

"What's important now is that those victims get that much-needed support, and that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice by police. Anyone can contact our hotline in confidence and we will get them the help they need."

The Metropolitan Police sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command have received 106 separate allegations so far.

They are related to figures at 30 football clubs in the capital.

The force has not named the clubs involved but said four of them are currently in the top division.

Two are in the Championship, three are in League One and League Two and there are a further 21 non-league, non-professional or amateur teams.

The Premier League currently has five London clubs - Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ivan Balhatchet said: "The Met take all allegations seriously, and specialist officers will work through the information passed to them.

"The number of referrals, pieces of information and allegations will change. Officers will continue to work through the information that has been reported."

The National Police Chiefs' Council said 98 per cent of potential victims were male, with their ages ranging from seven to 20.

Among the figures to come forward and report abuse was former England and Southampton striker Matt Le Tissier.

He described how a former Saints coach Bob Higgins insisted on giving him a "naked massage" when he was a young trainee.

Le Tissier said: "It’s very, very wrong…but as a  young boy you saw everyone else doing it and thought ‘Oh right, is this normal?’

“Looking back it’s pretty disgusting, I think. What went on is not normal behaviour.

“When you hear stories of the naked soapy water massages, hairy bum competitions, that kind of stuff…you lack back on it and think 'Hang on a minute, what was going on?'

Now 48, Le Tissier added: “It’s a long time ago - it’s just incredible they were able to get away with it for so long.”

Higgins, 63 – who denies any wrongdoing – was known as a “star-finder” at Southampton for spotting talent in the eighties.

The Scottish FA has also announced it will launch a probe into allegations of historic child abuse in the game.

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