A group representing female football players have spoken about alleged unwanted or inappropriate advances made against them from FAI coaches in the 1990s.
In a statement, they have said that they want their pain “to be the next generation’s gain”.
This statement which was issued via the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland ahead of a programme which aired on RTÉ Television last night. This investigation was was carried out by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates.
The programme ‘Girls in Green’ was broadcasted on RTÉ One Television last night, and is accessible via the RTÉ Player.
The Players find it “hard to express the feels that have defined our lives”
Releasing their statement, the former players have said that they hope that the “systematic and calculated abuse” which they suffered, will never happen again.
They said: “It is hard to express the feelings that have defined our lives over the last 25 years or so. For this whole time, we buried our emotions and thought we were the only ones”.
“We blamed ourselves and hid our shame from our family and friends. It is only in the last two years that our eyes have been opened…”, they added. “Our pain will be the next generation’s gain”.
The statement also added: “Women’s football has emerged from the shadows and we want to see it go from strength to strength. What we experienced should provide lessons for the future and we hope for the FAI, and all other sporting bodies in this country will take the appropriate steps to ensure it never occurs again in this country”.
The former coaches mentioned also include Eamon Collins and Mickey Cooke.
The former players have also added that the authorities are now dealing with the issue, and have asked for that process and their privacy to be respected.
They also thanked RTÉ Investigates and The Sunday Independent who uncovered this story. They also thanked the PFAI for their support.
