The Supporter Liaison Officer Education Programme is a new initiative from with UEFA and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) providing clubs with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to tackle the complex challenges of the job.

This week the Northern Ireland Football League held a gathering for representatives of clubs from across the league at the National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.

Well-trained and recognised SLOs bring clubs closer to their supporters, providing a two-way flow of information on current issues.

By ensuring that supporters’ voices are heard, SLOs can build trust and a sense of community while helping fans to experience the game they love in the best possible conditions.

“Supporters are the heartbeat of our league and play a major part of our strategic objectives within the NI Football League, so we’re delighted to be delivering this new programme to our clubs,” said Sophie Glendinning, NIFL Competitions and Operations Lead

“The UEFA SLO Education Programme offers SLOs a chance to develop the knowledge, skills and tools needed to thrive in their position,” added Herjan Pullen, UEFA Supporter Liaison Officer Project Coordinator.

“It highlights UEFA’s dedication to strengthening the role that is required for clubs competing in UEFA club competitions.”

“SLOs act as a bridge between fans and their club, facilitating dialogue, communication and building trust. Their impact extends beyond relations and ultimately enhances the experience of all involved in the game.”

 

Sport for Business Context

 

The fans’ voices are often loud and noisy and expressed across different social media platforms. Frequently, this crystallises around a culture of not trusting the owners’ motives in how ‘their’ club is being run.

It may take time to gather the trust needed to make this programme most effective, but so long as clubs treat it as a genuine resource and engage in it in a spirit of shared cooperation between the fans, there is a lot to like about what it can achieve.

It will be easier for a club in good times, but that is when the groundwork can be laid for the other times when things might not be so rosy.

 

 

 

Sport for Business, in partnership with Allianz, will hold the 2024 Sport for Business Sport for Social Good Conference on Thursday, October 24th. This is one of ten events currently planned for the remainder of 2024.

Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.

 

The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies. 

Find out more about joining us today.