Specialised Football Spotters deployed to Women’s Super League games ahead of new season

As part of our commitment to protect and prepare for those attending events and ensure we have the correct dedicated support, we have now recruited 17 additional female Operational Football Officers (OFO) which will be deployed throughout the 2024/25 season with women’s professional football fixtures.

With venues across Greater Manchester, including the Etihad Campus, Old Trafford and Leigh Sports Village, featuring both Manchester City and Manchester United, these officers will in their role provide a reassuring presence at games to keep families safe and an outlet for you to report any concerns you may have.

Over the years, the number of specialised officers has steadily increased with a pool of around 77 to choose from to help support these events, which also includes the regular men's fixtures at all Greater Manchester clubs.

Supported further by a dedicated command structure, these officers already have vast experiences from their years at district dealing with incidents daily and past large sporting events in Manchester, at Wembley and abroad. Extensively trained in public order and threat assessments, they are highly skilled in spotting crowd dynamics and engaging with the public.

With women’s football increasing in popularity in recent years, with increased crowds comes greater reliance on our officers to support large-scale events. Just like the men’s game, this requires specialist officers to be deployed.

Over the summer we took a proactive approach to discuss with our clubs, at all levels of the football pyramid, our plans for the forthcoming season around Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and safeguarding to ensure they were at the heart of the decision making through cross-working collaboration and research.

This will hopefully see an increase in reporting due to confidence and knowing they have a friendly face that they can approach when out supporting our local clubs.

After a summer of preparation, Sergeant Neil McQueen from our Specialist Operational Planning Unit is confident the new increased intake will ensure supporters remain safe and secure; “These officers deployed to games will provide visible reassurance to supporters attending, both travelling to the venue and once inside.

“We know WSL fixtures in particular are extremely positive experiences that are safe, welcoming and inclusive environments, but with the increased popularity, coverage and bigger crowds at larger venues we have to remain ahead of the game and ensure we provide sufficient support to our clubs, like we would for any large-scale event in Greater Manchester.

“Our officers will be proactive individuals who will always take charge of any situations that arise when needed to ensure our priority of keeping the public safe remains that way.

“Over the last couple of years, we have made a significant investment and push to encourage more of our female officers to take up the role to provide that better and more specialised support to females attending these fixtures. We know having a role model and someone to look up to helps engagement and reassurance.

“As always if you ever feel unsafe, unsure or upset please report it to us at the earliest opportunity when safe so we can review and look to take the appropriate action. With our dedicated female officers, this will make it easier and means we can take a stronger approach to any incidents that may arise.”

Whilst Sergeant Jade Wells, a dedicated football officer for Manchester City said; "Alongside our regular role at district, when deployed we are that constant presence for both the club and its supporters.

"It's a role I really enjoy and we are here to help you when you need us. If you see us, please come over and say hello and let us know if we can provide any support.

"Naturally as the women's game in particular grows in popularity and we have especially two big Manchester clubs in our area, it is only right we as women officers are there to show others we are here to ensure the safety of everyone, as well as being positive role models, just like the players are.

"This is a really positive move from us to introduce more women officers in this role where we have already had big experiences managing football matches alongside our colleagues."