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.”
What people are wearing at Parklife 2026 – ruffles, cowboy boots, football shirts and bandanas
Clementine Hall
Parklife weekend is here, which means festival fashion is back, and Manchester has absolutely delivered on its outfit trends once again.
Every year in the fields of Heaton Park, thousands of ravers flock to Parklife festival for the biggest party of the year.
And of course, you can’t attend a festival without wearing a fire fit and boy oh boy have we seen some.
Gone are the days when you’d throw on a t shirt and jeans to a festival, and although you may see a few tracksuits and flimsy rain ponchos (we are in Manchester after all), the people of Parklife are dressing to impress this year.
Images: The Manc Group
The main theme of the weekend is…ruffles.
We’re talking ruffled shorts, ruffled boots, ruffled skirts – if you can ruffle it, the Parklife people are buying it. We’d say the vast majority of girls are wearing ruffled hot pants, and we are absolutely here for it.
Another trend is not practical in the slightest but of course looks absolutely fab, and that is cowboy boots.
Images: The Manc Group
We dread to think of the blisters that are going to crop up after the weekend, but as the old saying goes…beauty is well and truly pain.
You may mistake yourself for being at Coachella due to the amount of girls absolutely rocking a bandana this year, a trend which is both stylish and practical with the sun blaring down on Heaton Park this weekend.
And last but not least, maybe it’s the World Cup fever but we’ve spotted both boys and girls sporting football shirts and looking class whilst doing so.
Images: The Manc Group
All in all, Parklife weekend is flooded with fashionistas this year but are we surprised when Manchester is a hive for the coolest cats in the game? We think not.
There’s also a couple of pop-ups onsite this year for if you’re looking to level up your fit, including Suzy Loves Milo selling vintage garms and The Mothership providing all the perfect accessories.
Take That at the Etihad Stadium – the Manchester boys are ‘back for good’ | Review
Clementine Hall
We’re not saying this was the ‘Greatest Day’ of our lives…but it was certainly up there.
Take That have been taking us all on a trip down memory lane over the past few weeks, bringing The Circus Live back to stadiums across the UK and recreating their record-breaking 2009 tour.
Last night they kicked off their four night run at the Etihad Stadium, and it’s safe to say the much-loved pop trio have absolutely still got it.
In fact, I’d go as far to say that this is the best Gary, Mark and Howard have ever looked, sang, and above all else, danced.
Maybe it’s because this is their first hometown gig in two years, or maybe it’s because I’m extremely biased having grown up listening to Take That in my mum’s car on the way to school.
Either way, I said what I said.
Now as the name suggests, The Circus Live isn’t your average show. There’s a gigantic hot air balloon, a huge mechanical elephant, clown face paint, acrobats, unicycles, fireworks, sparkly costumes, you name it – they’ve got it.
It’s an aggressive assault to the senses, a fantastic fever dream, overstimulation of the highest degree, and I lapped up every single moment.
It’s what I imagine taking a tab of acid feels like before a gig, and if that’s the case then I would recommend doing so.
Of course the boys open the show with ‘Greatest Day’, and from the get go Gary Barlow’s vocals are just as smooth as ever.
After a brief Barry Manilow cover they then showcase their exceptional synchronised choreography during the dance break of ‘Pray’, to which I could almost hear the audible gasps from hundreds of mums in the audience.
All of which, I assume, were transported in that moment back to 1993 when Take That debuted the moves on Top of the Pops.
After a brief pause, Mark Owen leads the lads in ‘Shine’ as they make their way to the second stage in the centre of the stadium. Top hat in hand, Gary on the keys, Howard there purely for vibes – it’s no wonder Morrison’s chose this banger for their advert.
From then on it is simply banger after banger, and it’s clear that they feel very grateful to still be filling out stadiums as Howard particularly gets teary eyed after ‘Never Forget’ is met with roars of applause.
Take That have three more shows left at the Etihad Stadium, and you can still grab some last minute tickets here.
However, if you fancy not moving from your sofa but still want to be a part of the fun – Saturday’s show will be livestreamed across the globe via Amazon Music, so no matter where you are in the world, you can still visit The Circus. Find out more here.
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2023 
