The Mayor of London and the Premier League have announced a new Stewarding Academy to train and support football stewards across London, in a bid to improve safety, raise standards and create new career pathways.

The jointly-funded Stewarding Academy will be delivered by Capital City College and will provide training and create career pathways for stewards working at football clubs in London and those wanting to get into the industry.

The Academy aims to raise standards and improve safety, while ultimately enhancing the matchday experience and the broader live events sector in London.
 

The sector currently faces high demand, but a decline in available staff. There are around 5,000 active stewards currently working across multiple live events and the sector has a yearly need for about 1,500 new stewards.

The training will provide industry-focused training that equips students with the practical skills, confidence and qualifications needed to succeed in stewarding and spectator safety roles.

Many elements will mirror the Mayor's Skills Academies. It is hoped the Academy could have the potential to become a model for further training across the country.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "Football is at the heart of life in London and, with fans across the capital gripped by the game, I am delighted to partner with the Premier League, the most-watched domestic football league in the world, to launch this ground-breaking, first-of-its-kind Stewarding Academy as we look to create good jobs and raise standards for thousands of Londoners working in the football sector.

"Our new Stewarding Academy and wider partnership will deliver on my commitment to support football clubs and create good jobs and opportunities in London.

"London is the sporting capital of the world and a global leader in major events and we are proud to work with the Premier League and our partners as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone."

Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Clare Sumner, said: “There are more than 15 million visits to Premier League stadiums each season, and we work alongside partners and the police to deliver safe and inclusive matchdays across the country.

“Our partnership with the Mayor will further develop the fan experience as part of our nationwide work to elevate the stewarding profession.

“Through this partnership, we are providing new employment and training opportunities for thousands of people, contributing to the safe and welcoming environment provided at 380 matches each season.”