FSOA March 2024 Conference

The Football Safety Officers` Association (FSOA) held their Spring Conference in Stratford-on-Avon this week and for for CrowdGuard, it was a fantastic opportunity to engage in networking, discussions, and active participation in the crucial issues concerning safety and security in football stadiums nationwide, spanning the past, present, and future.

A total of 34 clubs – including 11 from the Premier League – and 28 companies took part in the two-day event.

What is the FSOA?

The FSOA, or Football Safety Officers Association, is an organisation where safety officers from football venues convene to exchange views and expertise, ensuring football stadiums remain safe environments for match-day experiences.

At Crowdguard - although we are relatively new - over the last 3.5 years we have recognised the immense value of collaborating with such a brilliant organisation. This year an opportunity presented itself, and we proudly stepped in as the the Platinum Partner of the FSOA Football Safety Officers Association .

As sponsors we seized the opportunity to exhibit a range of our equipment at the host venue, the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

We showcased our Plan, Provide, Protect services including demonstrations of our #HVM protection which featured

ARX Security #ARX Stopper!?

Highway Care Security #RB50

ATG Access #SurfaceGuard

Unafor #Core

Husson International #HStop

Rapaid Emergency Bandages #Stopthebleedkits

Additionally we presented 3D models of:

Highway Care Security #the claw

Logic #plantar

The event provided an opportunity to showcase our range, network with new and existing clubs and offer honest industry advice.

The introductions.

The primary focus of the event is to address contemporary safety challenges encountered at football matches.

Opening the event, Chairman Paul Lewis and Director of Operations Peter Houghton commenced proceedings by honouring former FSOA chair, vice-chair, and now European Football Safety Officer John Beattie with Lifetime Membership. Additionally, the attendees voted to re-elect Paul Lewis as the current chair, with Craig Witham assuming the role of Vice-Chair.

Then came our moment to officially sign on the dotted line.

Deborah Ainscough , founder of Crowdguard, stepped onto the stage to sign the agreement solidifying CrowdGuard as the platinum sponsor of the FSOA.

Deborah proudly said: “Today signifies a pivotal moment in our partnership as CrowdGuard takes on the role of platinum sponsor for the FSOA. This sponsorship transcends mere financial support; it symbolises a shared vision.

Deborah went on to say how becoming platinum sponsor Crowdguard were not just investing in the future of public safety but reaffirming their commitment to “doing the right thing”

“Our partnership transcends mere sponsorship. It's about collaboration, sharing best practices, and leveraging our collective expertise to create safer environments for all. It's about standing together in the face of challenges and devising innovative solutions that prioritise everyone's well-being inside and outside the stadium”

Deborah expressed gratitude to the FSOA for their ongoing support and extended thanks to everyone in the room who has been actively collaborating with CrowdGuard on their CT risk management and HVM schemes.

Time to talk.

The FSOA collaborates closely with the EFL and Premier League, evident from the inclusion of speakers from both organisations on the agenda.

Sarah Boyer who is the Regional Safeguarding Officer for the EFL (English Football League) gave a fascinating insight into some case studies and opened many people’s eyes into the various scenarios and levels of advised responsibility.

This was followed by Peter Kay - Head of Stadia and Matchday Operations at the Premier League - who gave a valuable insight into the working party into stewarding reform proposals.

Wrexham AFC ’s Martin Bradley gave an insight into what it was like at a club which is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, has seen support increase tenfold and run by Hollywood superstars!

The morning session concluded with a talk by Imam Jamie Kempson, who addressed the audience on the topic of integrating stewards from the Muslim community into matchday operations and catering to their specific requirements more effectively.

The Terrorist Threat

After lunch, Claire Worley CTSA West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, provided an update on the current counter-terrorism efforts nationwide. Her presentation offered delegates a valuable understanding of the challenges not only in football but across the UK as a whole.

Crowdguard’s managing Director, Iain M. and Counter terrorism and Risk Director Russ Phillips had the opportunity to take to the stage to share insight on the industry and Crowdguard’s role.

They offered an update on Martyn’s Law and practical guidance on risk management. Russ emphasised that counter terrorism involves implementing a robust security plan. He stressed that HVM goes beyond checklist compliance and requires integrated deployment of security processes, procedures, and physical measures.

Iain highlighted the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders for the success of any plan. This includes involving traffic management, event owner/operators, transport networks, local authorities, and others in the process.

In closing, their insights underscored the critical need for proactive risk management, robust security planning, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure safety and security in all aspects of event management.

Round-up

The final act of the day was for a panel of guests, hosted by the FSOA’s John Rutherford , to discuss and answer questions around matchday security and what we had seen and heard over the two days.

So, after two days of networking, speaking and getting to know the attendees it was time to unwind, and the guest speaker is always a highlight of the event along with dinner.

And it certainly didn’t disappoint as former Sky Sports man and current talkSPORT presenter Jeff Stelling and former Newcastle United Football Club player John Beresford regaled us with some hilarious stories.

A fantastic end to an incredible couple of days!

#FSOA #Crowdguard #counterterrorism #HVM #resilience #terrorism #crowdsafety #security #EFL #PremierLeague #partnership #sponsorship