Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has published the first Occupational Standards for Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs), developed through its Towards the Professional Development of SLOs (TPDS) Erasmus+ project in partnership with the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE).
The Occupational Standards provide a clear framework outlining the core responsibilities, competencies and skills associated with the SLO role. They are intended to support clubs, national associations, leagues and SLOs themselves by establishing a shared understanding of the knowledge and capabilities required to effectively perform the role.
View the Occupational Standards here.
Since the introduction of the SLO role across European football, SLOs have become an important link between supporters and football stakeholders. However, the responsibilities of the role can vary significantly depending on factors such as club size, organisational structure, resources and national football culture. This has often made it difficult for organisations to define the role consistently and identify the skills and experience required when recruiting new SLOs.
The Occupational Standards aim to address this challenge by providing a recognised benchmark for the profession. They outline the tasks commonly undertaken by SLOs and the competencies required to deliver them effectively. In doing so, they support the continued professional development of the role and help strengthen recognition of the contribution SLOs make within the football ecosystem.
The development of the Occupational Standards was a thorough and collaborative process. Work began in 2024 with a review of existing occupational standards across the sports sector and an assessment of current SLO job descriptions from clubs and national associations across Europe.
A Technical Working Group was subsequently established, bringing together nine experienced SLOs from eight European countries. Through six online workshops held throughout 2025, participants discussed and refined the competencies, responsibilities and expectations that underpin the role. Draft standards were then shared with the wider European SLO network to gather additional feedback before being finalised.
The resulting Occupational Standards provide a practical resource for stakeholders across the game. They offer guidance for clubs and national associations recruiting SLOs, support new and existing practitioners in defining and developing their roles, and provide a valuable reference point for SLO coordinators working within leagues and football associations.
As the role of SLOs continues to develop across Europe, the Occupational Standards represent an important step towards greater consistency, recognition and professional development for those working to strengthen dialogue between supporters and football authorities.
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