West Ham fans represented at National Safety Conference

WHUST was proud to be the only supporters’ group at this year’s Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) Conference held at Aintree Racecourse - and we made sure West Ham fans were heard.

SGSA Conference at Aintree Racecourse. Conference Chair – Sam Quek

The standout moment came during a breakout session on fan engagement and Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs). We publicly raised the ongoing issue of West Ham’s continued exclusion of supporter representation on its SAG - a long-running concern for WHUST. This sparked a positive response from the SGSA to help us with our ultimate aim of ensuring fan representation on the SAG.

The session also featured representatives from the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), who reaffirmed their long-standing support for fan inclusion on SAGs and pledged to continue assisting WHUST. They highlighted the benefits of involving experienced supporters in safety planning and cited progress at other clubs. Separately from the session, we were also invited to join their Women’s Team Networks - a timely boost for our own growing work in this space.

Another session focused on the spectator journey - in short, how to make attending a match safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable. Presenters from the Women’s Super League, AFC Bournemouth, and SGSA explored how stadiums can offer fans a better matchday experience - from ticketing and clearer signage to steward interactions and atmosphere. Their research showed that good service isn’t just a “nice to have” but a crucial element that builds trust and directly improves crowd safety. Examples from across Europe highlighted best practices, while speakers stressed the importance of understanding the different needs of fans - especially in the women’s game, where audiences tend to be younger, more diverse, and less traditional. These lessons are especially relevant as we continue to advocate for a better experience at the London Stadium.

Stewarding was also the focus of a dedicated session led by the Premier League. Plans are underway for a national reform programme, including better training, a register of stewards, and improved retention. The aim is to professionalise the role and ensure that stewards are equipped not just for crowd control, but for real safeguarding and fan support. This has the potential to significantly raise the standard of stewarding across the league.

We also heard from experts working on two fascinating areas: one on stadium design in the women’s game, and another on studying crowd dynamics and flow rates. Both talks provided important insights into how different fan demographics experience football, and how that should shape the way stadiums are built and managed.

Overall, WHUST’s involvement in the SGSA Conference this year was productive and encouraging. Much of this work often happens behind the scenes, and we’ll continue pushing to ensure West Ham fans have a seat at the table when decisions affecting our safety and matchday experience are made.