About Andy
Andy Woodward
Founder
Professional Biography
Andy Woodward is a former professional footballer and a leading advocate for safeguarding in sports. Over a decade-long career, he played as a defender for clubs including Crewe Alexandra, Bury, and Sheffield United, earning respect for his resilience and commitment on the field.
In 2016, Woodward courageously came forward to share his experiences of sexual abuse as a young player, helping to spark a nationwide conversation on child protection within football and beyond. His revelations were pivotal in exposing systemic failures and led to major reforms in safeguarding practices across UK sport.
Since then, Andy has become a powerful voice for survivors, dedicating his life to advocacy, education, and institutional change. Through public speaking, advisory roles, and collaboration with organisations such as the FA and NSPCC, he has helped to drive meaningful improvements in athlete welfare and safeguarding policies.
Andy’s courage and leadership have earned him national recognition, including awards for his campaigning work. His journey, detailed in his memoir Position of Trust, continues to inspire action toward safer, more accountable environments for young athletes.
Andy's Story
Andy Woodward is a former professional footballer whose bravery off the field has transformed the landscape of safeguarding in sport.
Born in 1973, Andy began his football career with Crewe Alexandra before playing for clubs including Bury, Sheffield United, and Scunthorpe United. A strong and versatile defender, he earned a reputation for resilience and professionalism during a decade in the English leagues.
In 2016, Andy made headlines around the world when he chose to publicly reveal that he had been sexually abused as a young player within the football system. His decision to speak out broke decades of silence surrounding abuse in sport and triggered a wave of similar disclosures from other survivors. Andy’s testimony was instrumental in prompting a major review into safeguarding practices across British football, and contributed to the establishment of new protocols designed to protect young athletes.
Following his disclosure, Andy transitioned from private survivor to national advocate. Through media appearances, advisory work with sporting bodies, and collaboration with safeguarding charities, he has helped reshape how institutions address the welfare of young players. His memoir, Position of Trust, candidly recounts his personal journey and the systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur unchecked.
Andy’s story is not just one of survival, but of leadership, resilience, and hope. His commitment to truth-telling has given a voice to many who felt voiceless, and his ongoing work continues to ensure that safeguarding remains at the forefront of youth sport.
Today, Andy dedicates his life to advocacy, education, and change — fighting for a world where no child is ever placed at risk in pursuit of their dreams.