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The staggering extent of the scandal that has gripped football was revealed on Friday when it emerged close to 100 clubs and more than 80 coaches have so far been identified over the alleged abuse of hundreds of children — some as young as seven.

In yet another disturbing development, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said that officers have had 639 cases referred to them from the NSPCC's helpline or direct calls to police.

They released a statement revealing that in the fortnight since former Crewe Alexandra player Andy Woodward gave a harrowing account of his own abuse, 83 potential suspects had been identified, with 98 football clubs impacted by the allegations.

Nearly 100 clubs are caught in the sexual abuse scandal following Andy Woodward's initial revelations in November 

Matt Le Tissier is among the players who have spoken following Woodward's account

The figures, described by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children as 'shocking', also disclosed that the age range for potential victims spans from only seven through to 20 — with 98 per cent of those identified male.

No clubs were named by the NPCC but it has already emerged that coaches with links to Chelsea, Manchester City, Stoke City, Leeds United, Southampton, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Celtic, Blackpool and Crewe have been accused of abuse.

The clubs involved range from the Premier League to amateur level. NPCC lead for Child Protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: 'Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.

'We are also liaising closely with the Football Association to ensure all relevant information they hold is shared to inform investigations.

'We continue to urge anyone who may have been a victim of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101, or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place.

'We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously. Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward. When allegations are reported it enables police to assess whether there are current safeguarding risks.'

An NSPCC spokesman said: 'These shocking numbers now identified by police reveal the deeply disturbing extent of abuse that has been going on within football.

'Our football hotline, launched with the support of the FA, saw a staggering surge in calls in its first week and anyone who wants to contact us can continue to do so in confidence, with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported.'

It comes as clubs across the country have been implicated in a growing child sex abuse scandal gripping the sport, with Southampton facing the prospect of potential legal action by former youth players. Scotland Yard's team will work with Operation Hydrant, the nationwide investigation into historical child sex abuse.

Meanwhile, Premier League boss Richard Scudamore has written to the parents of players in top-flight academies to reassure them that their children are being protected.

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore (pictured) has written to parents to reassure them

The letter was sent on Wednesday to the parents of the more than 3,000 players, aged eight to 18, in the Premier League's youth system. 

Scudamore wrote: 'As the parent of a young person registered at a Premier League club academy I am sure you, like us, are very concerned by the allegations of historical sexual abuse at professional football clubs. The victims and survivors have been extremely brave to come forward and have our sympathy and support.

'Given the volume of media coverage these disturbing stories understandably continue to generate, it is important that you, as parents of Premier League club academy players, are made aware of the current standards and provisions in place to keep your children safe.'