I'm worried about this young man.

[Redfluffyblanket]

But he's an adult and it's none of my business.

I know him through sport, he plays for a rival club but there's quite a lot of overlap, we're at the same competitions and social things.

He's mid 20s, but seems a lot younger in his manner. I don't know anything about any diagnosis, but I'd guess there's some autism and MLD. He's a nice lad, if socially awkward and often makes a beeline for me and DH because we (especially DH) make an effort with him and show some interest in his sporting achievements.

His own club is not one I'd want to be part of. It's run by a middle aged "ladies man" and has, IMO, a very laddish culture, but they're our rivals, so I would say that.

Some of the more influential people at that club "banter" with him about sex, his sexuality and not having a GF. They encourage him to say inappropriate things and share inappropriate images. It's supposedly all a bit of fun, but it doesn't seem that way to me. He has occasionally complained to DH that they "wind him up", but mostly laughs along with it.

If it was a child, I'd think it was bullying and exploitative, and it probably is in this situation, but he's an adult, albeit possibly vulnerable.

As I said, not really my business, would you 'do' anything?

Report it to the safeguarding lead at your club and ask them to go to the rival club’s SL.

It might just be that I'm unaware but I don't think there is a safeguarding lead. Neither club has a children's section.

Is there a governing body which organises the competitions? Might be worth approaching them (anonymously) and let them know there is a potential adult safeguarding issue at that club involving a potentially vulnerable person. Describe in general what is happening, and let them decide what to do.

They encourage him to say inappropriate things and share inappropriate images.

Can you say a bit more about the inappropriate images?

Do you mean dick picks?

And who is he sharing the images with?

No, not pictures of himself, and not quite pornographic, but e.g. scantily clad women and dare hin to show it to an older female member, or in one appalling incident, a zoomed in picture of one of the female members in skimpy competition kit.

Every club should have a safeguard lead. If you're concerned report to your clubs lead and let them deal with it club to club. That's all you can do.

Does the female member know?

I agree. This definitely needs safeguarding intervention

I don't know.

Cant he leave that club and join another one?

Didn’t you post about this quite recently?

He sounds quite naive. The organisers of this club need to be made aware of what is going on

They are aware. I'd say the leader is the ringleader, but it's all "banter".

Yes, he could, but it's not completely straightforward. It would need approval from the governing body, admin/paperwork, and the club won't want to let him go as he wins things for them. Afaik he doesn't want to leave and it's certainly not something someone from a rival club can suggest to him.

No. Definitely not.

? Those stories aren't remotely similar. Which characters do you think tie up?

MOst clubs are affiliated to larger organisations where there will be a safeguarding person. So a small archery club will be affiliated to Archery England/Scotland/Wales, a running club will be affiliated to UK Athletics or whatever. That's your next port of call.

I think this is serious. Because if he's being egged on to share images including those of female club members, he could find himself in hot water and all those exploiting him will melt away while be carries the can.
I think I'd get my husband to have a word and say he doesn't need to join in with it, it could lead to trouble, and he should say no and walk away.
Id also be reporting the photographs of presumably non consenting female club members to the organisers.

No advice, just wanted to say I feel so sorry for this young lad. He is doing the 'right' thing joining a club and they are treating him like entertainment.

I can't see at all, and I know it's not the same story. It's a bit much to throw out accusations and not be prepared to explain them.

There will be a safeguarding lead, please let them know what’s going on.

Edited because I cannot read properly and now see the post linked above wasn’t written by the OP!

Yes, that's exactly how it seems to me. He also scores really well for them in competition!