Stephen Howson: From Army Veteran to Football Media Pioneer and Grassroots Club Builder
Stephen Howson is a name that resonates strongly within British football media, grassroots sport, and the online creator economy. A British Army veteran turned content creator, podcaster, and football club founder, Howson has built a career defined by discipline, resilience, and bold ambition. With over one million followers across multiple platforms, he has combined his love for football with a passion for storytelling, fitness, and community building. Today, he stands as one of the most recognised independent voices in football while spearheading the growth of Stretford Paddock FC, a grassroots football project with global ambitions.
Early Life and Military Background
Growing Up and Education
Born and raised in the Manchester area, Stephen Howson’s early years were marked by his love of sport, particularly rugby league. He attended St Damian’s RC High School between 1995 and 2000, before continuing his studies at Ashton Sixth Form College. Later, he furthered his education at the University of Salford from 2013 to 2019, balancing academic growth with professional commitments.
Service in the British Army
In 2003, Howson began his service with the British Army as Aviation Groundcrew with the 9 Regiment Army Air Corps. Over the course of six years, he completed three operational tours: Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007, followed by Iraq in 2008. His time in the Armed Forces instilled in him values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that would later define his career in media and sport. The Army years also exposed him to different cultures and environments, shaping his worldview and strengthening his leadership qualities.
Transition to Sport and Media
Rugby League Career
Before moving into football media, Howson pursued a career in rugby league. He played at academy level for Salford Red Devils (2000–2002) and Keighley Cougars RLFC (2004), before joining Doncaster RLFC in 2005. His experiences in competitive sport gave him a practical understanding of athletics, training, and team culture that would influence his later ventures.
Move into Media
After leaving the Army and rugby league behind, Howson shifted his focus towards media and content creation. In 2014, he co-founded MMA Latest, a platform that quickly became one of the most trusted voices in mixed martial arts news. It gained global recognition, secured accreditation with major organisations, and produced podcasts, YouTube content, and live event coverage.
By 2015, Howson had stepped into football media as a presenter for FullTimeDevils, the world’s largest Manchester United fan channel. His straight-talking style, tactical knowledge, and ability to connect with supporters saw him become a regular on mainstream outlets such as BBC Sport, Sky Sports, BT Sport, and Match of the Day.
Building a Digital Presence
Studio68 and Independent Platforms
In 2016, Stephen Howson established Studio68, his production company. Through this venture, he built a multi-platform presence spanning YouTube, podcasts, and social media. His flagship channel, the Stephen Howson YouTube Channel, has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers and millions of monthly views. The channel focuses primarily on football tactics, Manchester United analysis, and football culture.
Podcasting Success
Howson has expanded his influence into podcasting, co-hosting the FIVE Podcast alongside former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand. This show ranks among the UK’s most-watched football podcasts. In addition, he runs The Stephen Howson Podcast, where he interviews elite athletes, veterans, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures, offering in-depth discussions around resilience, leadership, and success.
Fitness and Outdoors: Howson IRL
A personal transformation journey also became part of his story. Having lost over 100 pounds, Howson documented his shift into hybrid training that spans Hyrox competitions, ultra-endurance events, and tactical fitness challenges. Through Howson IRL, he creates content focused on outdoor survival, hiking, and fitness, presenting himself as a tactical athlete committed to self-reliance and discipline.
Stretford Paddock: A Vision for Grassroots Football
Founding the Club
In 2020, Stephen Howson founded Stretford Paddock FC, a grassroots football club based in Manchester. His vision was clear: to build the world’s best grassroots football organisation, creating pathways for players and coaches while fostering a community-driven culture.
Growth and Achievements
From a single squad, the club has expanded into a community of men’s, women’s, and youth teams. Today, it boasts over 1,500 paying members and a reach that places it 41st among all UK football clubs in terms of social engagement—higher than some Championship sides.
The club operates on a fan-ownership model, giving members a real say in its direction. This democratic approach reflects Howson’s belief in community empowerment and sustainable club building.
International Recognition
In July 2025, Howson was invited to Alabama to speak to the State Athletic Association about football game models and coach education. This international platform demonstrated his influence not only in media but also in the development of grassroots football standards worldwide.
Leadership Style and Personal Ethos
Stephen Howson’s leadership style reflects his Army background: disciplined, direct, and team-first. Whether managing a football club, leading a production company, or training as a tactical athlete, his philosophy centres on resilience, preparation, and authenticity.
He consistently promotes the idea of living by example—whether through his fitness transformation, his commitment to grassroots football, or his relentless drive to create high-quality media content.
Partnerships and Brand Collaborations
With over one million followers and 10–15 million monthly impressions, Howson has developed partnerships with leading brands in football, lifestyle, and performance sectors. His credibility is rooted in authenticity: he actively lives the worlds he speaks about—football, outdoors, and grassroots sport. This genuine alignment allows him to deliver measurable value to brands while maintaining audience trust.
Challenges and Criticism
Like many outspoken media figures, Howson has faced criticism for his blunt style and bold opinions. Some see him as refreshingly honest, while others interpret his commentary as controversial. Nonetheless, his willingness to stand firm on his views has contributed to his reputation as a distinctive and influential voice in football media.
Legacy and Future Ambitions
Stephen Howson’s career reflects a remarkable journey: from Army service and rugby league to becoming a leading football content creator and grassroots club manager. His mission is threefold:
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Build Stretford Paddock FC into a global benchmark for grassroots football.
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Inspire others through discipline, creativity, and hard work.
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Forge meaningful partnerships that benefit both brands and communities.
With expansion plans for over 50 teams, the development of elite facilities, and ongoing media growth, his ambitions are far from complete.
Conclusion
Stephen Howson embodies the modern multi-hyphenate career: veteran, athlete, content creator, podcaster, and football club founder. His story is one of transformation, resilience, and vision, underpinned by a commitment to authenticity and community. Whether through his candid football analysis, fitness content, or the groundbreaking work of Stretford Paddock FC, he has carved out a unique role in British sport and media.
As grassroots football continues to grow in influence and digital platforms reshape how fans interact with the game, Stephen Howson stands at the forefront—a voice of passion, discipline, and innovation.
