Three former players who have said they were sexually abused at the start of their careers have called on professional football to back a new, independent trust that will "fight for justice" and support victims.
The Offside Trust, fronted by former Crewe players Andy Woodward and Steve Walters and ex-Manchester City youth player Chris Unsworth, is asking for donations from the English Football League, Football Association, Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association and commercial organisations that profit from the game.
Speaking at the trust's launch in Manchester, Woodward said: "We are fighting for justice. We have all been through it and we just want justice."
Woodward's powerful interview with The Guardian last month opened the floodgates on an abuse scandal that has spread throughout the UK.
In a press release for the trust, Woodward added: "The sheer size and scale of the problem is illustrated by the fact that over 860 victims have come forward in the last few days.
"It is clear that abuse has existed on a major scale for many years. This trust does not just relate to football but also to other sports."
The trust will be supported by Prosperity Law, a Manchester-based firm that specialises in child abuse cases.
Prosperity Law's Edward Smethurst explained that the firm was working on a pro bono basis as it has in the past for other causes.
Smethurst said he had spoken to other former players who claim to have suffered sexual abuse at clubs as youngsters and are "actively considering" joining the trust board.
"The purpose of the trust is to urge people to come forward," Smethurst said. "We're not the establishment, we're independent and completely transparent. People can come forward in confidence."
Overwhelmed with all the support today for launch of Offside Trust today in Manchester ����
- Steve Walters (@steven_walters4) December 5, 2016
Both Smethurst and Woodward acknowledged the FA's recent moves to address the issue of child protection but questioned the rigour of the inquiry the governing body has asked Kate Gallafent QC to lead on its behalf.
"We would call for a completely independent and transparent inquiry because clearly mistakes have been made in the past -- it needs a thorough, truly independent investigation," Smethurst said.
"We're not making any allegations about any organisation today but it may well be that some constructive criticism comes out of that review about certain establishment bodies."
Walters, who made his debut for Crewe at the age of 16 in 1988, called on more high-profile players to back their campaign.
"It's happening everywhere down the years," he said. "The bravado in football has to stop. We need more help, publicity and support from high-profile sports people.
"You think about how many pro or ex footballers there are, so please come ahead and support us."