Former footballer and abuse survivor Paul Stewart has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford for his safeguarding work.
The 58-year-old was born and brought up in Wythenshawe, and like many young children, dreamed of playing professional football, before going on to realise his dream and play as a defensive midfielder and forward number of famous English including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Blackpool – where he was even inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
But despite all those successes, Paul’s journey to becoming a professional footballer had horrifically tragic roots, as after he was talent-spotted at the age of 11, he suffered four years of abuse by a coach at a grassroots football club in Manchester.
As many may remember, in November 2016, Paul went public as a victim of child sexual abuse, after reading an article about another footballer who had been abused as a child.
Being a high-profile former player himself, Paul said he felt he had to speak up.
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Up until that point, though, he had not told anyone about what had happened, and had experienced some real emotional challenges.
Former footballer and abuse survivor Paul Stewart awarded honorary degree / Credit: University of Salford | ITV
In 2017, Paul wrote his book ‘Damaged’ – which critics described as “a powerful and moving account” of both the abuse he suffered as a child, and the aftermath of this abuse – and after the important and vital memoir was so well-received, since then, he has dedicated his life to working on safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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He then decided to set up his own company, Paul Stewart Official Excellence in Safeguarding, to provide safeguarding education to the football league and develop relevant training, as well work beyond football to help organisations better safeguard young people.
Settling up the company was something that Paul says he felt was key in creating “a monumental shift” in the way organisations work to keep people safe.
Paul’s honorary degree from the University of Salford comes in recognition of his work on safeguarding with the University’s Social Work team since 2017 – which has been hailed by the education institution as having “incredible impact”.
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Congratulations to former England, Manchester City and Liverpool star Paul Stewart, who has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford today in recognition of his work on safeguarding.
But he also worked with football academies right across the UK – including Watford and Fulham, as well as with Street Soccer and other organisations – to develop safeguarding courses that provide them with practical tools and knowledge that aid in the commitment to safeguarding excellence.
“I am totally honoured to receive this award,” Paul said as he accepted the honorary degree during a graduation ceremony at the University of Salford this week.
“It supersedes any of my football achievements, including playing for England and my FA Cup winner’s medal.
“Safeguarding is my passion and the future protection of children.”
A special day today thank you to Salford University for honouring me with a Doctor of Literature honoris causa for my work in Safeguarding it was special to have my family with me on such a special occasion! ❤️ that was for you Bev❤️❤️❤️#safeguardingpic.twitter.com/ODAlGDqX5g
Lecturer Sarah Riding, who nominated Paul for the honorary award, said the former footballer has “equipped so many students with knowledge and insight that is transformative to their practice”.
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“He has become integral to the development of our first year social workers,” she added.
“The incredible impact he has can be seen through the countless testimonials we get from students who have been deeply moved and inspired by his work.”
Didsbury favourite Rustik has confirmed its will sadly be closing this month
Danny Jones
West Didsbury favourite Rustik has sadly announced it will be closing for food after a decade at the end of this month.
The beloved Burton cafe and bar has been a staple of the tight-knit foodie neighbourhood since 2015, but now the independent Irish eatery has confirmed that the business will be shutting down permanently in less than a fortnight.
Confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, 17 September, the casual Manc restaurant and hangout informed their loyal followers of the unfortunate news.
Unsurprisingly, their social media has been awash with condolences, collective sadness and support for the local institution.
Posting across all of their accounts, Rustik wrote: “After an unforgettable 10 years on Burton Road, the time has come to close our doors. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come — never in a million years did we imagine Rustik would grow into what it became.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single one of you who walked through our doors and supported us along the way. We poured everything we had — our time, our energy, our lives into making Rustik a space for everyone. And what a ride it’s been.
“From the chaotic, beautiful brunch shifts to late nights dancing on tables to ‘Wagon Wheel’, pushing through the challenges of COVID and helping our community with meals during hard times— we’ve done it all, together.
“To our amazing staff, past and present: thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the love you brought every single day. You helped build something truly special, and we’ll never be able to thank you enough.
“To the incredible musicians who filled our space with life — keep doing what you do. The noise complaints? 100% worth the unforgettable nights.”
The team go on to detail that the official closing date is Tuesday, 30 September, reiterating that it is “business running as usual until then” and urging fans to “come down, grab your last Rustik fix, and raise a glass with us one final time.”
Signing off with an emotional farewell, they add: “Lastly, a message close to our hearts: please support your local cafes, bars, and independents. Hospitality is tough right now, and they need your support more than ever.
“Thank you for the most incredible decade of our lives. It’s over and out from us.”
It goes without saying that we’re gutted to see Rustik go and know how much it meant not only to the Burton Road community, but also to the Didsbury community, Chorlton and many other Greater Manchester natives.
That was dubbed the ‘best Warehouse Project there has ever been’ by people in the room – so the chance to see him at Amber’s is going to be pretty wild.
Fred Again sent a ticket link to fans registered in Manchester, which appear to have sold out immediately.
He wrote in his mailer: “cos it’s a very small venue i really wanna make sure the tickets go to the people who are more likely to be from Manchester based on what the team see when you’ve signed up for things before. so yeah, that’s why you’re getting this first :)”
Sharing the news on his Instagram stories today, he added: “i am playing a small show at @ambers.club in Manchester this thursday with @cariboumusic and @zuri_fernandez. a handful of tickets have been sent to the ppl we know are in manny, we did it this way jus to try and stop resellers and stuff ykno”
Fred Again added: “massive love to amber’s for making it possible. another really important independent venue i’m so happy i get to play in.”
Amber’s is a no-phones nightclub that’s famed for its sound system.
Fred Again and Caribou will take to the stage at Amber’s on Thursday 18 September.