Former footballers who have made allegations of child abuse by coaches have announced they are forming a trust to help potential victims.

Andy Woodward, 43, Steve Walters and Chris Unsworth, both 44, all broke their silence last month to make claims of suffering abuse in the youth football system.

So far, 18 police forces have announced investigations, while a dedicated NSPCC helpline received more than 800 phone calls in a week.

Former Crewe Alexandra player Andy Woodward was first to speak out, while ex-Crewe Alexandra midfielder Steve Walters, and former Manchester City man Chris Unsworth have also made allegations they suffered abuse as trainees.

They told Channel 4 News they want Offside Trust to support players who are victims, and their families.

Woodward said: "This is purely about justice. Getting things right so in the future this can't happen again. In anything, whether it's football, sport or whatever.

"We've got to put our heads down. We need to change this."

The trust will be set up and administered by Manchester law firm Prosperity Law LLP.

The firm said the trust will be independent of the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association and its aim is to represent players in an independent and transparent manner.

The trust will ask for donations from the FA, the Football League and the PFA and other commercial organisations who profit from the game.