TO KICK-OFF the 2018-19 youth football season, The Football Association 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.  

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “Suffolk FA are really proud and excited to be supporting the FA’s new Respect campaign, ‘We Only Do Positive’.

“Grassroots football is a fantastic vehicle to support the development of young people and this can only be achieved when a fun, safe and inclusive environment is created for all players.

“We encourage all parents, coaches and volunteers to use positive behaviours and environments – both on and off the pitch – to create the best possible environments for young players at their clubs.

“Respect is a fundamental quality that we all must display to harness football’s potential in developing people, strengthening communities and ensuring that everyone can enjoy a thriving local game.”

For further information, please contact: Jodie Allard, Football Development Manager, by calling 01449 616606 or emailing Jodie.Allard@suffolkfa.com