Cyprus steward coaches in training

Cyprus is the fifth country to host a training programme for stadium stewarding trainers, which is designed and sponsored by UEFA.

This innovative programme aims to prepare trainers to deliver a course of training to stewards who are deployed at football matches across the country. The Cypriot government recognised the need to address public disorder issues at football matches, and created a national stewarding commission which includes key stakeholders such as the ministry of justice, police authorities, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), the Cyprus Sports Organisation and various sports bodies.

As a first step, the national commission was given the task of delivering a trained workforce of stewards governed by new regulations created under Cypriot sports law. Around 20 people successfully completed the five-day training course, staged in Nicosia by the UEFA stadium and security unit, and are now qualified to pass on their knowledge to stewards at clubs across the island. The roll-out programme of training will commence in September.

Following on from the success of this event, the authorities in Cyprus are keen to continue the training partnership with UEFA. The minister of justice has already requested further cooperation in delivering safety management training for police and stadium managers in Cyprus, as a means of complementing the training for stewards.