Football Safety Officers Association - FSOA

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Football Safety Officers Association - FSOA

The FSOA is here to promote best practice in safety and security in football stadiums and venues.

21/09/2026

No induction, no access. A new approach to stadium safety.

As football clubs and venues prepare for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, ensuring staff are trained, accredited and ready to perform their roles is more important than ever.

We’re delighted to share news from our FSOA partner, Accredit Solutions, who has launched Accredit Induct, a new workforce readiness platform connecting induction, identity, accreditation and access control.

Designed for venues managing large and rotating workforces, the platform enables organisations to:

* Assign role-based training and track completion in real time.

* Prevent credentials or access being granted until mandatory training is completed.

* Manage refresher requirements and maintain auditable compliance records.

* Bring induction, accreditation and access management together in one place.

The principle is simple: no induction, no access.

For Safety Officers and stadium operations teams, this technology offers greater visibility over workforce readiness and supports preparedness as regulatory expectations evolve.

Read the full story via the link in the comments below and you can see them at our Confex next month and find out more.

15/09/2026

Two weeks today and the countdown is well and truly on!

In just 14 days, our guests will be making their way to the Midlands for the start of our FSOA Autumn Confex 2026.

Two nights and a full day of learning, networking, sharing ideas and catching up with colleagues from across football and the wider stadium safety industry.

But just as importantly, it’s about getting together with friends.

Because that’s what the FSOA has always been about. Sharing knowledge, supporting each other and building relationships that go well beyond the working day.

Our Autumn Confex is now completely SOLD OUT, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Forest of Arden.

Missed out this time?

There’s always the next one - but in the meantime take a look at our March Confex catchup.

See you in two weeks!

11/09/2026

Another busy week of the new season nearly done – so how are your staffing levels looking?

We’re now well into the 2026/27 campaign and, across football, the demands on stadium safety teams never really stop.

But did you know that FSOA member clubs can advertise vacancies through our network completely FREE of charge?

Whether you’re looking for a Safety Officer, Deputy Safety Officer, Stewarding Manager, Operations Manager or another stadium safety professional, we’re here to help.

From the Premier League and EFL to Non-League and beyond, whatever the level, we’re here for our members.

Our network reaches thousands of people working across football, stadium operations, safety and the wider events industry.

So, as another week draws to a close, if there’s a gap in your team or you’re planning ahead, drop us a message or contact the FSOA office with the vacancy details.

We’ll help you spread the word – completely free of charge.

Connecting our clubs with great people. It’s all part of being an FSOA member.

08/09/2026

A significant change is coming to medical provision at sporting events – and clubs and Safety Officers need to have it on their radar now.

Our long-standing FSOA partner Medics UK has provided this useful overview.

CQC Event Healthcare Registration: Key Summary

1. What’s changing?
• From December 2027, providers delivering treatment of disease, disorder or injury (TDDI) at sporting or cultural events will require CQC registration.

2. Who is affected?
• Providers delivering TDDI, including volunteers and non-clinicians working under clinical protocols or PGDs.
• Basic first aid remains exempt.
• Medical staff treating players only are currently exempt.

3. Key dates
• 7 September 2026: Applications open
• 1 March 2027: Practical deadline for complete applications
• 6 December 2027: Enforcement begins

4. What should clubs be doing?
• Determine whether your provision falls within scope.
• Identify the required key individuals.
• Prepare appropriate policies, medical plans and competency records.
• Make sure documentation reflects your actual operation rather than relying on generic templates.

5. Don’t assume you’re covered
• Existing CQC registration for another activity, such as transport, does not automatically cover event TDDI.

The key message is simple: start preparing now rather than waiting until December 2027.

Medics UK can help clubs understand the registration process and the options available, including working under a CQC-regulated provider.

Another example of our FSOA partners sharing their expertise to help clubs prepare for changes across the industry.

04/09/2026

New technology. New ideas. New solutions for football safety.

That’s a big part of what the FSOA Confex is all about - and this year we’re delighted to welcome three new exhibitors to our sold-out Autumn Confex at the Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.

Foams4Sports provide specialist foam safety solutions designed to help make football grounds and sporting environments safer for players, staff and spectators. Their customer base ranges from large public sector purchasing organisations, sports catalogue and educational supply catalogues companies, to leisure centres, sports halls, martial arts clubs and the general public.

Grantfen Fire & Security Ltd specialise in bringing together and integrating the different technology and security systems used around football stadia into one place, working alongside leading names including Dallmeier electronic and Suprema UK & Ireland. Many of our members will also already know Steve Hutchinson, who represents the business.

And we’ll also be welcoming Archangel Protect AI, an exciting company who are exploring how AI can be integrated with existing IT and technology solutions. Already live at Watford Football Club, with further UK clubs and sports deploying the technology, we’re excited to see Archangel bring their expertise and innovation to our Confex.

Of course, a huge welcome also goes to all of our returning exhibitors, sponsors and partners who will be joining us in Warwickshire.

Many have supported the FSOA and our members for a number of years, and their continued involvement plays a huge part in making Confex what it is.

Our exhibition gives members the chance to discover new products, explore new technology, catch up with familiar faces and speak directly to businesses providing solutions to the challenges faced across football and stadium safety.

So whether it’s your first FSOA Confex or one of many, we look forward to welcoming all of our exhibitors to the Forest of Arden later this month.

03/09/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the LNER Community Stadium in York yesterday for our FSOA North East Regional Meeting.

It was a fantastic day hosted by the York Stadium Management Company Limited and, in terms of content, one of our best regional meetings yet.

We enjoyed a live demonstration from a North Yorkshire Police drone pilot, who flew a drone from the roof of the stadium and explained how the technology is being used across the region.

Ken Lumley from Medics UK shared valuable insight into how the new CQC provisions could affect football grounds, while co-host Pete Kitchen spoke about the challenges of locking down a stadium during a rugby league match following a terror threat outside.

Steve Hodges from Dallmeier electronic also explored how CCTV is changing against the backdrop of Martyn’s Law and how it can be deployed more effectively to help keep people safe.

We also listened to our sponsors and partners Crowdguard, DCRS Ltd (Direct Communications Radio Services) and Archangel Protect AI.

Our regional meetings are all about sharing real experiences, learning from one another and bringing the stadium safety community together.

Thank you to our hosts, speakers, members and partners for making it such an enjoyable and informative day.

02/09/2026

⭐️ SOLD OUT! Our Autumn Confex is officially full! ⭐️

We’re delighted to announce that the FSOA Autumn Confex 2026 has now completely SOLD OUT.

In just four weeks’ time, we’ll be heading to the stunning Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club for two packed days of learning, networking and catching up with friends and colleagues from across the football safety industry.

Our daytime programme features a fantastic line-up of key speakers from football clubs and across the wider industry, sharing their knowledge, experiences and insight on some of the biggest issues facing Safety Officers and stadium teams.

We’ll also have a packed exhibition featuring our sponsors and partners, while the evenings bring more opportunities to network and relax - with Dean Windass, Jeff Winter and our Tuesday night Table Tennis Challenge all on the agenda.

A huge thank you to all of our loyal partners, sponsors and exhibitors whose continued support helps make the Confex what it is.

And thank you to everyone who has booked to join us.

28/08/2026

🚨FINAL CALL🚨

After the Bank Holiday weekend, our next North East Regional Meeting will be held at the LNER Community Stadium - the home of York City Football Club.

York Stadium Management Company Limited are hosting on Wednesday September 2nd and we look forward to meeting up with our members.

Are you joining us?

There will be another interesting and topical agenda and an opportunity for some of our Corporate Partners to showcase their products at the event which starts at 10am.

If you would like to attend or speak at the event, please contact Pete Kitchen or the main FSOA office.

We look forward to seeing you there.

24/08/2026

Read all about it… the FSOA Newsletter needs YOU!

With the new football season now underway, there’s already plenty happening across our member clubs, partners and the wider stadium safety community.

So, don’t forget it’s time to send in your articles and updates for our next monthly FSOA Newsletter.

Have you introduced something new at your stadium?
Got a success story to share?
A project, product or industry update our members would benefit from hearing about?

Tell us what you’ve been up to!

Get in touch with the FSOA team and let’s share your news with our members across the game.

21/08/2026

The Premier League is back – and for Ipswich Town FC, the journey starts at Portman Road tomorrow!

Newly promoted Ipswich kick off their campaign at home to Sunderland, and while the focus will be on the action on the pitch, we know just how much work has already gone on behind the scenes to get ready for the big kick-off.

Over the close season, Ipswich Town Head of Safety & Security Neil McCluskey took some time out to chat with Dave Riche about his role, the challenges of football safety and the support and network the FSOA provides.

It’s part of our upcoming documentary, A Day in the Life of a Safety Officer, shining a light on the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep football safe.

And from everyone at the FSOA, good luck to Ipswich and all of our member Premier League clubs and their safety teams as the new season gets underway!

Address

Suite 309a, Regus Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way
Manchester
M225TG

Telephone

+441615219987

Website

http://www.fsoa.org.uk/

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