The SLO Education Programme
In partnering with SD Europe, we want to take SLO training to the next level
- Thomas Junod, Head of UEFA Academy
Since March 2020, SD Europe has worked in partnership with the UEFA Academy to deliver the Supporter Liaison Officer Education Programme to UEFA’s member National Associations.
SLO Education Programme In Numbers So Far...
8
National Associations
16
Sessions
250+
SLOs
The programme is led by SD Europe’s Head of SLO Development & Training, Lena Gustafson-Wiberg.
For SD Europe, the establishment of the SLO Education Programme, in partnership with the UEFA Academy, is the culmination of over 10 years of work at European level in the area of developing and implementing SLOs.
In the football world, there is now broad consensus on the importance of:
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the early exchange of information between the various football stakeholders;
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an integrated partnership approach to match organisation;
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greater use of the experience and knowledge of SLOs and supporter groups as part of match preparations;
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increased implementation by countries of the 2016 Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events.
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Against this background, increasing demands are being placed on SLOs by a host of stakeholders, all with different needs, wants and expectations. Negotiating these different aspirations to the satisfaction of all, often at a moment’s notice, is an extremely difficult task and one which requires an adequate level of training to equip SLOs with the necessary knowledge, expertise and skills.
To address this need, SD Europe has worked in partnership with the UEFA Academy to deliver the Supporter Liaison Officer Education Programme to UEFA’s member National Associations. The SLO education programme has been developed utilising the expertise of SD Europe as a uniquely placed football stakeholder to offer SLOs the knowledge, skills and tools they need to thrive in this challenging position.
The main benefits of the programme are:
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a deeper understanding of the SLO role and responsibilities;
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tools and techniques for working with each stakeholder;
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an understanding of the importance of a strong SLO network at domestic level; • conflict management and leadership skills;
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media training.
In January 2022, Lena offered an insight into the programme, which can be read here.
More information on the SLO Education Programme can be found on the UEFA Academy website.