Which are the benefits?

• Build up trust and respect and maintain a good relationship with the supporters
• Status of stewarding in the club and with fans rises
• Same group of stewards
• Stewards identify themselves with the club and fans
• Responsible for the training of the stewards
• Higher retention rate

“20% of clubs who don’t have an internal stewarding organisation are considering introducing one in the future according to ESSMA research.”

The importance of training stewards

All stewards at 1. FSV Mainz 05 follow a standardised training programme, QuaSOD, organised by DFB. In addition, they collaborate with external institutions to gain knowledge. For 1. FSV Mainz 05 it is important that there is a practical approach with a focus on learning by doing. Furthermore, stewards have the opportunity to receive additional trainings such as self defence and the club organises team building activities so they learn how to work together. Another important aspect is talking about the job, its procedures and the challenges they are facing.

Recruiting new stewards

The main challenge (for most European clubs) is to attract new stewards and retain their current stewards. 1. FSV Mainz 05 has implemented several strategies and ideas to ensure there are sufficient stewards available on matchdays. For example, stewards who recruit a new steward, receive a bonus payment. Furthermore, there are group interviews every two weeks to meet up with new candidates as well as announcement on job portals and via the local universities. On matchdays, all new stewards have a dedicated programme to follow during their first three matches so they feel supported by the team.