Get to know Safe Stadium project – MŠK Žilina
We present third interview with Safe Stadium consortium member – MŠK Žilina
Why did you decide to join the Safe Stadium project?
We joined the project based on the recommendations of the project partner – ISEMI. We believed that it will give us the opportunity to compare the security of our stadium with other, more modern football facilities, as well as allow us to gain valuable knowledge in relation to CBRN safety and security measures useful in the organization of sports events.
Thanks to the project, have you already improved security during the match? If so, in what way?
The project started with gaps and need analysis of sport facilities involved in the project which covered survey questionaries’ and study visits at stadiums. This allowed us to analyse our procedures and approach to the safety as a process. As part of the project, we are trying to implement several changes in the organization of matches, the training of organizers, and we are also putting pressure on other organizations that have an impact on the safety of fans at our stadium (Žilina hockey club).
Can you explain more about the training for stewards? Was it helpful?
The training was very useful, as it was tailored to the need of the trainees – stewards. Additionally the training was accompanied with a practical part focusing at personal protection and detection equipment. By implementing the training in 2023, we succeeded in taking the first significant step towards the goal of educating people. We plan to continue these activities in cooperation with SFZ (Slovak football association) or as part of projects that could follow on from the “Safe Stadium” project.
Do you have any other plans to improve security in relation to CBRN threats?
We plan to implement project procedures. The project fits into our club approach to safety and security. For example, in connection with the organization of the ME 2025 (European Championship U21), we plan to modernize the turnstile system, while our goal is the mandatory registration of fans, including the use of biometric data.
Which parts of the project do you find most beneficial/interesting and why?
The visits at partners sport facilities were very interesting for us, as it gave us, the possibility to observe and compare safety procedures at facilities of different sizes and located at various EU countries. Training materials and brochures explaining CBRN threats as well and visual materials like action schemes focusing on crucial CBRN procedures will definitely improve our safety procedures. 
