The Business of Sport - Paul Stewart and Ian Bishop

A new organisation has been formed to offer guidance, education and legal support to those working to protect children, young adults and the vulnerable in sport.

The Union of Safeguarding Officers, with a Mission Statement of “Every Child Safe, Every Voice Heard”, was formed by former Manchester City and Tottenham star Paul Stewart, who has spent almost a decade raising awareness of sexual abuse in sport, following his own harrowing experiences as a young footballer. 

Many ISC delegates at our event at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2024 witnessed Paul's story as he spoke about his mission to prevent what happened to him, ever happening again. 

Paul has enlisted the help of another ex-footballer Ian Bishop, who has over 20 year's experience of the youth system in the USA after a top-level career in England with Everton, Manchester City and West Ham United. Ian is General Secretary of USO, Paul is Chair of the Board.

They hope the union will provide support to both professionals and volunteers, tasked with safeguarding at their clubs and associations.