Paul Stewart is a former professional footballer, safeguarding advocate, consultant and keynote speaker. A survivor using lived experience to make safeguarding the forefront for the next generation.
Years in the game
Clubs & academies
EFL Contribution Award
EFL Contribution to League Football, 2024
Paul played top-flight football for Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, winning the FA Cup and earning three senior England caps. After bravely speaking out about the abuse he suffered as a young player, he became one of the UK’s most respected safeguarding advocates.
Today he works directly with governing bodies, clubs, academies and organisations to build cultures where players are protected and heard.
Developed by Paul Stewart with High Speed Training, this online course is now the EFL’s chosen safeguarding programme — mandatory across every EFL Academy.
100% online, learn at your own pace
Desktop, tablet or mobile
Earn 2 CPD points on completion
Code of conduct, policies & guides
“I absolutely believe that the more adults who complete this course, the more children we save from child abuse in sport and physical activity settings.”
— Paul Stewart
Every engagement is shaped around your organisation — its people, its risks and its ambitions for a safer culture.
Academy sessions, staff training and bespoke programmes for players, parents and coaches.
Paul brings a rare combination of elite football experience, survivor perspective and years of national safeguarding work — trusted by governing bodies, clubs and academies across the UK.
A survivor’s perspective that changes how organisations think about protection.
Over a decade in the top flight — Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and England.
Trusted by the FA, EFL, LFE, Premier League clubs and governing bodies.
EFL Contribution to League Football Award 2024; Honorary Doctorate, University of Salford.
Direct, honest talks that shift culture and drive lasting change.
Every session tailored to the audience, the club and the moment.
“Paul has worked with the EFL Safeguarding team and LFE across many seasons carrying out talks to academy players, parents and staff. He bravely recounts his lived experience of child sexual abuse and the effect it has had on his life and those around him. The impact he has had in safeguarding in sport is immeasurable but undoubtedly the footballing community is a safer place for all because of his efforts.”
“I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact Paul has had on safeguarding in football. His courage in speaking out and his determination to ensure that others are heard have transformed the conversation around player welfare and protection. His passion, integrity and commitment to making football a safer place for everyone are truly inspiring.”
“Paul shared his personal story with senior staff from the professional club academy system, as part of an FA Talent ID training course. This was both impactful and powerful.”
“Paul delivered a direct and impactful session for our Academy coaches at Tottenham Hotspur. The session emphasised the importance of safeguarding children with a common sense approach on putting good practice in place.”
“I cannot over-emphasise how powerful Paul's contribution to the event was. Paul spoke with such conviction, courage and honesty about his experiences as a child through football and the impact those experiences have had.”
“Paul has worked with the EFL Safeguarding team and LFE across many seasons carrying out talks to academy players, parents and staff...”
“I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact Paul has had on safeguarding in football...”
“Paul shared his personal story with senior staff from the professional club academy system...”
“Paul delivered a direct and impactful session for our Academy coaches at Tottenham Hotspur...”
“I cannot over-emphasise how powerful Paul's contribution to the event was...”
“Paul has worked with the EFL Safeguarding team and LFE across many seasons carrying out talks to academy players, parents and staff. He bravely recounts his lived experience of child sexual abuse and the effect it has had on his life and those around him. The impact he has had in safeguarding in sport is immeasurable but undoubtedly the footballing community is a safer place for all because of his efforts.”
“I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact Paul has had on safeguarding in football. His courage in speaking out and his determination to ensure that others are heard have transformed the conversation around player welfare and protection. His passion, integrity and commitment to making football a safer place for everyone are truly inspiring.”
“Paul shared his personal story with senior staff from the professional club academy system, as part of an FA Talent ID training course. This was both impactful and powerful.”
“Paul delivered a direct and impactful session for our Academy coaches at Tottenham Hotspur. The session emphasised the importance of safeguarding children with a common sense approach on putting good practice in place.”
“I cannot over-emphasise how powerful Paul's contribution to the event was. Paul spoke with such conviction, courage and honesty about his experiences as a child through football and the impact those experiences have had.”
“Paul has worked with the EFL Safeguarding team and LFE across many seasons carrying out talks to academy players, parents and staff...”
“I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact Paul has had on safeguarding in football...”
“Paul shared his personal story with senior staff from the professional club academy system...”
“Paul delivered a direct and impactful session for our Academy coaches at Tottenham Hotspur...”
“I cannot over-emphasise how powerful Paul's contribution to the event was...”
Whether you represent a football club, governing body, school, college or business — Paul works with organisations of every size to build safer cultures for the people in your care.
Former professional footballer, safeguarding advocate and keynote speaker helping football and sport build safer environments for the next generation.
For clubs, governing bodies, schools and organisations seeking safeguarding expertise.
EXCELLENCE IN SAFEGUARDING