Charity says over 1,700 calls made to UK soccer abuse helpline (Reuters)

A hotline set up for former players to report child sex abuse they had suffered at British soccer clubs dating back to the 1970s has received more than 1,700 calls since it was set up three weeks ago, the charity responsible said on Thursday. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) set up the hotline last month after former Crewe Alexandra player Andy Woodward revealed he had been abused as a boy by a youth team coach, prompting other ex-professionals to come forward with more allegations.