THE former head of Hampshire Football Association has been charged with sexually abusing young boys, the Daily Echo can reveal.

One of the best-known names in the county game, Ray Barnes is accused of attacking three youngsters over a period spanning three decades.

The 73-year-old, who is a magistrate, has also been involved with a gymnastics club in Southampton in his long history of involvement in sport in the county.

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He is currently the president of Sydenhams Wessex League, a role he has held since being elected in 2007, and a Life Vice-President of the Hampshire FA.

Detectives investigating the historic allegations against him have now charged Barnes, who lives in Southampton, with a total of seven counts of sexually abusing children.

They are made up of:

■ Five counts of indecent assault against a 14-year-old boy in 1973.

■ One count of indecent assault against an 11-year-old boy in the mid-1960s.

■ One count of indecent assault against a 16-year-old boy in 1983.

The married father-of-four, who has three daughters and a son, is now due to appear before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday. In June, the Daily Echo revealed Barnes had been arrested over the historic abuse claims.

He has now been charged after answering bail, having initially been released to allow detectives more time to investigate the allegations against him.

Barnes, who has spent time working in the merchant navy and for Southern Television, was appointed to his prestigious position with Hampshire FA in recognition of his long association with the organisation.

He became the youngest county secretary in the country when he took the helm in Hampshire at the age of 40.

But his football career started when he played for his school team, before being signed by Winchester City.

Barnes spent five years playing for the first team at the non-league club.

He is also a qualified referee, who is thought to have taken charge of reserve games involving Premiership teams. Hampshire FA last night declined to comment on the charges brought against Barnes.

No one from the Wessex League was available for comment.