Chris Evans reports…

GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL SAYS ‘WE ONLY DO POSITIVE’

Respect Campaign Highlights Excellent Conduct

To kick-off the 2018/19 youth football season, The Football Association have 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 so it results in sustained participation from players and volunteers alike.