A force for good

Abused England star nets FA award for his safeguarding mission

- BY JEREMY ARMSTRONG

ENGLAND star Paul Stewart has been recognised for his safeguarding of children in UK sport with an FA award named after Bobby Charlton.

In 2016, Paul, now 60, revealed in the Mirror his harrowing story of horrific abuse by his late coach, Frank Roper.

He was then contacted by countless abuse victims and for the past decade has worked to protect young sports stars. His training has guided young footballers in Premier League academies and at all English Football League clubs.

Father of three Paul, of Blackpool, Lancs, said: “Sir Bobby was not only one of the best players in the world on the pitch, he was a gentleman off it.