Manchester City Survivors Scheme | Compensation Secured

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Kate Hall

Solicitor, Abuse

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We helped Mr W after he suffered sexual abuse by John Broome during his time at Whitehill Football Club. This club is a ‘feeder team’ for Manchester City which provides experience and training for young players, before they could be potentially picked for the main team at Manchester City.

As Mr W suffered the abuse at a recognised Manchester City feeder team, he was eligible for an award under the Manchester City Survivors Scheme.

This compensation scheme was introduced by Manchester City Football Club in response to several allegations of child abuse across their club and feeder clubs.

How we helped the survivors

Mr W first approached us in June 2021 and asked us to investigate his claim against Manchester City Football Club.

Mr W had previously been involved in the Manchester City inquiry into abuse and provided information which was used within the report. Unfortunately, Mr W wasn’t informed by the inquiry that he could make a claim under the Manchester City Survivors scheme.When he first approached us, we made sure Mr W was informed on the scheme and his ability to bring forward a claim.

We understand the psychological difficulties, stress and anxiety that can come with talking about abuse in childhood. The thought of then making a claim for compensation on top of this can feel especially overwhelming.

We also understand the trauma that abuse can cause and, where possible, we keep discussion of the acts of abuse to a minimum. In Mr W’s case we were able to use the statement he’d provided to the inquiry, taking away the need to revisit difficult memories in detail. It was important to us that Mr W was supported through every step of the claim.

Our Abuse Solicitors are experienced in dealing with cases of childhood abuse and recognise the impact it can have on victims’ lives. We’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish and will aim to make the process as easy as possible for you.

“My claim through Simpson Millar was managed in an exceptional manner from inception/brief to completion. The staff were first class friendly, yet very professional… it was managed in such a way I did not have any undue concerns or worries.” – Mr W.

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What was the outcome for our client?

Mr W was rewarded £30,000 in compensation in December 2021. We’re pleased we could help him receive compensation for the abuse he suffered and wish him all the best for the future.

If you want to find out more about making a potential claim to the get in touch with our Abuse Team for a free consultation. We won’t take a deduction from any award you receive from Manchester City Survivors Scheme, so you don’t have to worry about paying us legal fees.

Manchester City Redress Scheme 

Abuse in sports has attracted a notable amount of media and public interest following the conviction of ex-youth football coach Barry Bennell. He was employed at numerous football clubs including Manchester City, Stoke City and Crew Alexandra. Barry Bennell was convicted in 2018 of 50 offences relating to 12 players who were aged between 8 – 14 which took place from 1979 to 1991. Prior to this conviction he had previously served three prison sentences, one of which in the United States. As a result of the abuse by Barry Bennell an independent inquiry was set up by Manchester City Football Club which also uncovered abuse by John Broome a talent scout with the club from 1964 to 1971 who died in 2010.

Manchester City Football Club introduced a redress scheme to compensate victims of historical sexual abuse. This was the first redress scheme in British sport. The scheme was set up for survivors of abuse by Barry Bennell as well as John Broome. The scheme allows applicants to obtain compensation as well as an apology from the football club.

Employers have a duty to ensure that the staff they employ are suitable to work with children.  This includes sports clubs. When a staff member has used their position to abuse a child it’s possible that a claim can be brought through the civil courts against the organisation that employed the person.

Former players of Manchester City Council have pursued claims through the Court and the scheme offered an alternative route to pursuing a claim against the club. A redress scheme can often provide a speedier and more predictable way of obtaining compensation.

Contact Us 

If you or your child has been abused by someone working in a sports club or facility, our compassionate and supportive Child Abuse Solicitors are here to listen and help you.

Our expert team are specialists in cases involving Physical and Sexual Abuse and offer a free case assessment, so we can talk to you about getting you the closure, justice, support and compensation you deserve. Call us on 0808 239 1287 and let us help you.

When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.

References:

Manchester Evening News. (2018, March 6). Coach John Broome could have abused more young players, warn lawyers. Retrieved from https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/coach-john-broome-could-abused-14314092

Simpson Millar LLP. (n.d.). Manchester City Launch Child Abuse Compensation Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/abuse-claims-solicitors/sports-abuse/manchester-city-launch-child-abuse-compensation-scheme/

BBC News. (2021, March 17). Man City abuse victim: 'Barry Bennell cost me my career.' Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-56428525

Manchester City Football Club. (2021, March 16). Review into Non-Recent Child Sex Abuse Associated with Manchester City FC. Retrieved from https://mediacdn.mancity.com/cf/media/o4sdjmmy/review-into-non-recent-child-sex-abuse-associated-with-manchester-city-fc-final-v2-16-3-21-003.pdf

Daily Mail. (2019, March 15). Man City payouts to Barry Bennell victims could cost millions. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-6801319/Man-City-payouts-Barry-Bennell-victims-cost-millions.html

Kate Hall

Solicitor, Abuse

Areas of Expertise:
Abuse Claims

Kate works as a Solicitor in our Abuse Claims Department.

After completing her education at Leeds Beckett University in 2018, Kate decided to specialise in Abuse Claims. Within this department, she has gained experience dealing with Civil Claims against various institutions including local authorities, public schools, religious institutions and charitable organisations. This includes the Manchester Homes 2 Group Action and the claims against Manchester City Council for abuse at St Anne’s School. Kate has also successfully navigated claims through the Lambeth and Manchester City Redress Schemes.

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