Leicestershire & Rutland Only Does Positive – FA Respect equipment scheme relaunches with brand new messaging

• Renewed Respect campaign focuses on benefits of positivity on performance
• 90% of grassroots footballers play better in positive environment
• Grassroots clubs, leagues and County FAs in Leicestershire & Rutland can apply for discounted vouchers for new Respect equipment

The latest roll-out of an FA-funded campaign is aiming to use positivity to help create safe, fun and inclusive match day environments in Leicestershire & Rutland

Respect, which celebrates its tenth anniversary year, will now see a new focus placed on the impact of positive behavior, and will contribute to both the performance and overall enjoyment of young grassroots footballers. The campaign’s new mantra, ‘We Only Do Positive’, will specifically focus on the behaviours of parents and coaches.

The changes come after independent research commissioned by The FA found 90% of young footballers say they play better with support and encouragement whilst 92% get greater enjoyment from the sport when they play in a positive environment.

The new-look campaign will also see significant changes made to the associated Respect equipment scheme, which is delivered by the UK’s largest sports charity, the Football Foundation.

As part of the scheme, clubs and leagues across Leicestershire & Rutland will be given the opportunity to redeem vouchers enabling them to access half-price Respect packs. Two packs will be available, an on-pitch pack and the other an off-pitch pack. They will contain Respect spectator-pros and signage. All in order to help shape a more positive environment.

The new equipment will contain brand new ‘We Only Do Positive’ messaging to promote the importance of positive behaviour at football and encourage players, parents and coaches to be respectful whilst in attendance.  

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:

“The Foundation is dedicated to providing quality local facilities at which community footballers of all ages, genders and abilities can enjoy our national game.

“At the same time we want to ensure that the quality of experience in community football is also as good as possible.  The FA’s Respect campaign is an important part of helping to achieve this, as it promotes a safe and enjoyable atmosphere – particularly for young participants.

“The Respect equipment packs are an extremely effective way to help create that positive environment.  I would strongly recommend that all clubs and leagues apply for one so that they can provide a positive backdrop on their match days that will set the right tone and encourage the right behaviour amongst home and visiting players, coaches and volunteers.  This way everyone can continue to enjoy all of the benefits that we know football can bring.” 

In support of this announcement, the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA are 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