THE NUMBER of kids groomed by predators responsible for their wellbeing could be woefully underreported according to a children's welfare group.

According to figures released today, Friday, July 21, 38 adults in positions of trust abused children across the Thames Valley Police area.

However, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is warning the true number could be much higher.

They say existing laws need to be expanded to include sport coaches, youth group leaders and other religious leaders.

The group found 38 adults have groomed children over the last six years.

Nationally there has been a 57 per cent increase in the the number of adults abusing their position.

Lee was one such victim after being groomed by his church leader Adam. Both names have been changed to protect the victim's identity.

Lee said: “Adam started by sitting closer to me on the sofa, trailing his finger on to mine. Things which I thought were weird but not big enough to react to.”

Things escalated to kissing and sexual contact when Lee turned 16.

He added: “I was so confused but knew what he was doing was wrong. I wanted it to stop but part of me was afraid to speak out because I didn’t want to get him in trouble.”

NSPCC Head of Policy Almudena Lara said: “Safeguarding in children’s clubs should not end suddenly at 16.

"The NSPCC has been told of a number of cases where in sports and other youth work settings, leaders have used their position to groom children, and then take advantage of them as soon as they turn 16.

“It is baffling sports coaches and other youth workers are not deemed to be in a position of trust, given the significant responsibility, influence and authority that adults in these roles have over the children they are there to look after.

“Sadly, we know this trust can be abused and it is therefore vital that this legal definition is widened to include sports coaches and other youth workers, bolstering protection for teenagers at risk of grooming once they pass the age of consent.”

The Government has been contacted for a response.