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Trusted safeguarding technology

Protecting people. Changing lives. Inspiring change.

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.

30+

Years in the game

100s

Clubs & academies

2024

EFL Contribution Award

Awarded

EFL Contribution to League Football, 2024

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About Paul

A first-division career. A life-changing mission.

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.

Adopted by
EFL Logo
Mandatory in all EFL Academies
Flagship course

Safeguarding in Sport.

Developed by Paul Stewart with High Speed Training, this online course is now the EFL’s chosen safeguarding programme — mandatory across every EFL Academy.

2 hours

100% online, learn at your own pace

Online

Desktop, tablet or mobile

CPD accredited

Earn 2 CPD points on completion

Downloads

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

Key services

Practical expertise across four disciplines.

Every engagement is shaped around your organisation — its people, its risks and its ambitions for a safer culture.

Safeguarding

Consultancy, policy and expert guidance for clubs and governing bodies.

Training

Academy sessions, staff training and bespoke programmes for players, parents and coaches.

Speaking

Keynote appearances on safeguarding, resilience, culture and leadership.

Consultancy

Practical safeguarding advice for football, sport, education and business.

Why work with Paul

Authority the game trusts.

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.

Lived experience

A survivor’s perspective that changes how organisations think about protection.

Elite football background

Over a decade in the top flight — Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and England.

National expertise

Trusted by the FA, EFL, LFE, Premier League clubs and governing bodies.

Award-winning advocate

EFL Contribution to League Football Award 2024; Honorary Doctorate, University of Salford.

Powerful keynote speaker

Direct, honest talks that shift culture and drive lasting change.

Bespoke programmes

Every session tailored to the audience, the club and the moment.

Why work with Paul

In the words of those who've worked with Paul.

“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.”
Alexandra Richards
Head of Safeguarding, EFL
“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.”
Debbie Hewitt MBE
Chair, The Football Association
“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.”
The English FA
Talent ID Programme
“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.”
Tottenham Hotspur
Academy
“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.”
The Scottish FA
Safeguarding
“Paul has worked with the EFL Safeguarding team and LFE across many seasons carrying out talks to academy players, parents and staff...”
Alexandra Richards
Head of Safeguarding, EFL
“I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact Paul has had on safeguarding in football...”
Debbie Hewitt MBE
Chair, The Football Association
“Paul shared his personal story with senior staff from the professional club academy system...”
The English FA
Talent ID Programme
“Paul delivered a direct and impactful session for our Academy coaches at Tottenham Hotspur...”
Tottenham Hotspur
Academy
“I cannot over-emphasise how powerful Paul's contribution to the event was...”
The Scottish FA
Safeguarding