The Bermuda Football Association has thrown its support behind national coach Andrew Bascome, who yesterday revealed that he had been molested in his early football career.

Bascome broke down in tears at an ABC Football Foundation press conference as he relived the painful experience that he and his brother David, the former Bermuda forward, endured.

“The Bermuda Football Association stands by coach Andrew Bascome for speaking publicly of what he endured,” Mark Wade, the BFA president, said in a written statement. “He has served football as a player and coach with distinction whilst carrying this burden. We hope that his healing continues and his bravery is an inspiration to others.

“We encourage those who continue to suffer in silence to make contact with the relevant authorities and other help agencies. Our sport has always been a reflection of life and society and we endeavour to do what we can to ensure that our clubs are a safe haven.”

The Bascome brothers, two of the island’s best-known former players and coaches, were speaking after claims that the local game has been widely affected by sexual abuse.

“I’ve been molested and it was just football for me,” Andrew told the media.

Brother David added: “I was also in the same position as him, being in that same position of being molested. I’ve been there.”

Last week, Maceo Dill, one of Bermuda’s top coaches, told The Royal Gazette that he was aware several former players had suffered sexual abuse by people linked to the island’s clubs.

The clubs, Dill said, have been a breeding ground for sexual predators looking to prey on vulnerable youngsters.

It came after English football was rocked by a child sex abuse scandal which so far has identified 83 suspects, along with 98 clubs at professional and amateur level, with more than 600 referrals to Operation Hydrant. Former England players Paul Stewart and David White are among the players to come forward and speak about their ordeals.

It emerged last week that Bascome has decided against stepping down as Bermuda coach and will lead the team against Canada in a friendly match at the National Stadium next month. A frustrated Bascome said he would quit his post in the wake of Bermuda’s elimination from the Scotiabank Caribbean Cup after losing a second-round match 3-0 to French Guiana in Cayenne in June.

It is understood that Bascome reconsidered his position after talks with Maurice Lowe, the BFA technical development director, although it is unknown whether he has committed himself for the next cycle of World Cup qualifying and Caribbean Cup tournaments.

Bermuda take on Canada on January 22.