Former Grassroots Football Coach Jailed for Four Decades of Child Abuse

A former youth football coach has today begun serving a 31-year sentence for nearly 60 sexual offences against children, spanning four decades.

William Woods, 67, from Congleton, was convicted at Chester Crown Court of offences including attempted rape, inciting sexual activity among minors, and severe physical abuse—such as locking children in cupboards and burning them with cigarettes or pans. The crimes, committed across Crewe and Northwich between 1976 and 2006, now mark one of the largest historic child abuse cases in the Mersey-Cheshire region.

Abuse Disguised Behind a Role of Trust

As a grassroots football coach, Woods frequently worked with children and gained the trust of families. Prosecutors revealed he manipulated his position to lure groups of young players to his home, where he forced them into disturbing acts and coerced peer abuse. The case was only exposed after a survivor came forward in 2018, leading to Woods’ arrest in 2022—claims he vehemently denied.

Survivors Share Their Story

Several victims spoke during the sentencing, describing how Woods’ actions left them emotionally and psychologically shattered:

“He destroyed my childhood,” said one. “I’ve lived with anger, trust issues, and fractured relationships. He was a monster.”
Another survivor recounted believing the abuse was normal, equating it with love: “I carry emotional and physical scars every day.”
A third shared ongoing struggles with trust and lasting trauma: “The pain remains as an unwanted shadow in my life.”

Others, in written statements, highlighted anxiety, depression, and the added trauma of having to relive their abuse in courtrooms. One victim reflected that Woods’ refusal to admit guilt was “his final way of abusing me.”

Judge Brands Abuse “Sophisticated and Arrogant”

Judge Patrick Thompson condemned Woods, saying:“You used your authority—as a coach and ex-soldier—to prolong your child abuse. Your actions were tailored, calculated, and demonstrate a cruelty devoid of empathy.”

A Pattern of Abuse Across Roles

Woods’ offences extended beyond grassroots football:

Dismissed from the army in 1983 for indecent behaviour.
Convicted in 1988 for gross indecency involving minors.
In 2006, received a 15-year sentence for abusing three boys under 16.

Prosecutors described him as a “serial, opportunistic paedophile” whose offending spanned decades.

Safeguarding Corner: Quick Guide for Clubs, Coaches & Parents

Focus	Action	Resource
Understand Safeguarding	Learn the role of safeguarding in grassroots football, and who’s responsible.	Team Grassroots “Safeguarding” section Team Grassroots
Prevent Risks	Implement safer recruitment, DBS checks, codes of conduct, and clear policies.	FA Policy & Toolkit www.thefa.com+1
Report Concerns	Know how to report issues through your club’s welfare officer, County FA, FA, NSPCC, or the police.	Reporting Guidance Team Grassrootshttps://learn.englandfootball.com
Educate	Promote awareness with parents, coaches, and young players through training like “Play Safe”.	FA/NSPCC “Play Safe” Campaign Team Grassroots

For survivors, Woods’ sentencing is justice—but decades of trauma remain. For grassroots football, it’s a sharp reminder: safeguarding isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. Every coach, parent, and league official must play a part in creating safe, trust-filled environments where players can thrive without fear—because the true success of grassroots football lies in the protection, empowerment, and wellbeing of every child on the pitch.