Former Sunderland striker Stewart winsEFLawardforsafeguardingwork
Former Sunderland striker Paul Stewart was recognised for his services to football at the EFL Awards.
The 59-year-old started his playing career at Blackpool before joining clubs including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Sunderland, as well as winning three caps for the England senior side under Graham Taylor. In 2016 he went public as a victim of child sexual abuse and has since released a book, ‘Damaged’, sharing an account of what had happened to him, the aftermath and the times he wished he could have ended his life.
On Sunday, Stewart was presented with the Contribution to League Football Award; the EFL’s most prestigious award, presented annually to an individual who has given a lifetime of service to the professional game, making a significant impact.
Stewart has worked closely with the EFL’s safeguarding and League Football Education (LFE) set-up for a number of seasons. He has given talks to academy players, parents/ guardians and staff, where he bravely recounts his experiences and the impact they have had on his life and those around him.
Upon accepting the award, he said: “First of all, I’d like to thank the EFL board for presenting me with this award. I’m not sure if I’m deserving of such a high accolade, I was blown away when I was called to the EFL offices to be told I had been chosen to receive this.
“The truth is, since I started working with the life skills team six years ago, I was really unsure how it would be received, but it really has been a journey of discovery that has helped me with my own recovery – something I never really expected.
“When I visit the clubs, it’s heartwarming how the attitude and development of these youngsters have changed, and I think that’s a great testament and credit to the EFL and the life skills programme.
“I’d like to give three people a special mention that are here, because without the support of these individuals I wouldn’t be up here today.
“First of all, from the life skills team Simon Williams, from the EFL Paul Bartlett, and head of safeguarding at the EFL, Alex (Richards).
"All three of these people have supported me throughout my time working at the EFL, and I’m honoured that they’ve put their trust in me to visit football clubs, sharing my story and educating the youngsters about the dangers and pitfalls they might encounter on their footballing journey.
“I really do take my work very seriously and hopefully my experience helps them to enjoy their experience.
“Secondly, to my family, especially my two daughters.
“They’ve been there through thick and thin, the good and bad times, and believe me there have been plenty of bad times – I love you both dearly. To two people who can’t be here tonight. My longsuffering wife who, despite my many shortfalls, stood by me when she could really have turned her back on me – and I wouldn’t have blamed her for doing so.
“I wish she could’ve been here to share this special moment. Unfortunately, she passed away nearly four years ago, I love you Bev. And, my father, he passed away last week after a short illness.
“He stood on the touchlines and watched me as a youngster, and was there at every game when I played professionally. I hope both are looking down with pride.
“I want to dedicate this award to all my colleagues who suffered, as I did, and continue to suffer due to the impact of the abuse; all because they had a dream."