Tottenham college teams up with Premier League and mayor to deliver new 'stewarding academy'

The partnership aims to train thousands of young people to become football stewards

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and (inset) Capital City College

A Tottenham college is partnering with the Premier League and City Hall to launch a “ground-breaking” academy to train stewards for football matches.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and the Premier League announced the £1.2million partnership which will establish a first-of-its-kind stewarding academy, training thousands of football stewards in the capital – which they say will “raise standards, improve safety and create jobs for Londoners”.

The academy will be delivered at Capital City College, London’s largest further education college, including at its Tottenham campus.

The “pioneering” academy will provide training and create career pathways for stewards working at football clubs in London, such as Tottenham Hotspur, and those wanting to get into the industry.

It will further raise standards and improve safety, ultimately enhancing the matchday experience and the broader live events sector in the capital. It will also connect Londoners to work in an important sector for London.

The stewarding sector in London’s football industry faces several distinct challenges, highlighted by high demand and a decline in available stewarding staff. With around 5,000 active stewards currently working across multiple live events, the sector faces a yearly need for about 1,500 new stewards.

The stewarding academy aims to support 1,500 Londoners to achieve spectator safety qualifications and help 1,000 into employment in the sector.

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.”

Capital City College will provide industry-focused training that equips students with the practical skills, confidence and qualifications needed to succeed in stewarding and spectator safety roles. The college hopes the academy will become a model for steward training and career development across the football industry.

Debbie Houghton from Capital City College said: “We are proud to be delivering the mayor and Premier League’s stewarding academy, and I am positive that this new cohort will play a vital role in creating safe, positive matchday experiences.

“Through our training courses, our students develop the skills and confidence to succeed as stewards at Premier League clubs across the country, and this year will be no different.

“From managing crowds to supporting football fans with ticket queries, directions and de-escalating situations, our stewards will be highly trained and ready for kick-off.”

Premier League chief policy and social impact officer Clare Sumner added: “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.”

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