July 6 – The Premier League has teamed up with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to launch a £1.2 million stewarding academy in a bid to address the shortage of matchday staff across the capital’s football clubs.

Clubs have struggled to recruit enough qualified stewards in recent years as crowds have continued to grow. Around 5,000 stewards currently work across London’s football and live events sector, but the industry estimates it needs another 1,500 every year just to keep up with demand.

Starting this summer, the academy will train 1,500 people in spectator safety, with the goal of helping 1,000 into work. The programme will initially serve London’s six Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur – although there are plans to roll it out more widely if successful.

Alongside steward training, the partnership will also support work around tackling discrimination at matches and improving environmental sustainability across London’s clubs.

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.”

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]