Sad passing of Lou Elliston

The SGSA is sad to announce the passing of our former colleague Lou Elliston.

Lou was a powerful advocate for public safety, working with the SGSA (and its predecessor Football Licensing Authority) for over 20 years from 2002 until her retirement in 2023.  Prior to this, she had been a police officer for 30 years, retiring as a Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police.

Within the SGSA, Lou was involved in the building of some of the best-known sports grounds and stadium in the country, including the Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadium, the Grandstand at Ascot and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.  In 2012, she was involved in the planning for the safe and successful delivery of the London Olympics.

Having been a longstanding member of the safety community, Lou worked alongside and supported many in the sports grounds safety world.

Her commitment was recognised in 2019, when she received a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List, for services to sport and public safety.

Lou will be remembered for her dedication, tenacity and wit.  She was a true original and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

All of us at the SGSA send our  deepest condolences to Lou’s family and friends at this sad time.