New films released by 1in6uk featuring Ian Ackley, Head of the The Survivor Support Advocate (SSA) service at the Professional Footballers’ Association
Ian chats to 1in6uk’s marketing manager and activist, Gary Pleece, over three films featuring his harrowing story of abuse, how he had suicidal thoughts, and how we all have a role to play in Safeguarding.
New films have been released by 1in6.uk featuring Ian Ackley, Head of the Survivor Support Advocate Service at the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Ian chats to 1in6uk’s marketing manager and activist, Gary Pleece, in the first film: ‘Ian Ackley, The Way Through’ as he tells the story of his abuse as a young boy by football coach, Barry Bennell. Ian went from being a promising young footballer who played for both the Manchester clubs, City and United, to not being able to even face kicking a ball again.
In the second film: ‘Suicidal Thoughts as a Result of Trauma’ He also talks about having dark, suicidal thoughts and how he often felt that he just “didn’t want to be here anymore.” It was only the support of his partner and the birth of his child that actually stopped him from committing suicide. What he says in this film is both affecting and insightful and could help others who are feeling similar emotions to the ones Ian describes.
Lastly, and in his role as ‘Head of The Survivor Support Advocate (SSA) service at the Professional Footballer’s Association’, Ian talks about Safeguarding in Football; how important it is for all organisations not just football, how far it’s come since his abuse in the game, and how we all have a role to play in protecting young people.
Ian was also featured in the BBC documentary, Football’s Darkest Secret, along with several other professional footballers who suffered abuse by various football coaches in the 1970s and 80s.
Watch: ‘Ian Ackley, The Way Through’ video, with intro music by musician and 1in6.uk advisor, Will Clapson
Read Ian’s Meet Others page here
