To kick off the 2018/19 youth football season, The Football Association [The FA] has announced a renewed focus on the Respect campaign as it enters its ten year anniversary.

Originally launched in the 2008/09 season, the campaign’s new mantra of ‘We Only Do Positive’ aims to improve behaviour on touchlines across the country by raising awareness of Respect amongst a new generation of parents, coaches, volunteers and players.

The campaign follows extensive research carried out during the 2017/18 season to understand the effect of negative behaviour at football matches from Under 7s to Under 18s level more clearly, focusing on where Respect interventions would be most effective.

‘We Only Do Positive’ is The FA’s new strategic approach to emphasise the role of parents and coaches whilst highlighting the importance of positive behaviours and environments – both on and off the pitch – for young footballers involved in mini-soccer and youth football.

The FA’s Respect campaign aims to educate parents and coaches on their roles in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for players to ensure the campaign is embraced throughout the age groups and result in sustained participation from players and volunteers alike.  

In support of The FA’s respect campaign, the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA will be delivering a Respect Week of Action, from 24^th – 30^th September to help raise awareness of this renewed Respect campaign focus on a local level.

Alongside a social media campaign, this Respect Week of Action will involve a number of events and workshops that hope to engage the local football community. Events include;

• Tuesday 25^th September – FA Respect Workshop at Holmes Park (Now fully booked)
• Thursday 27^th September – Coaches CPD Event, Managing the Match Day Environment at Judgemeadow Community College
• Saturday 29^th September – Respect Showcase Event: Leicestershire & Rutland Inclusive Football League
• Sunday 30^th September – Respect Showcase Event: Judgemeadow Community College

Shaun Waite, Football Development Officer (Participation) said, “Following the success of the County FA Respect Week of Action back in February 2018, we at the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA are delighted to be once again be delivering a focus week of campaigning to promote and raise awareness of the Respect programme on a local level. We invite all those in the local football community to engage with the campaign and play their part to raise awareness within the leagues, clubs and teams”

To find out more about the Respect Week of Action, please click here.

To download a booklet with more information about the week click here