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.   

Ian Wild, Chairman of Liverpool FA and County Respect Officer, said: “The importance of maintaining an enjoyable environment for everybody involved in mini-soccer and youth football can’t be understated and goes much further than matters on the pitch. 

“The FA’s Respect campaign has had a solid impact in grassroots football across Merseyside, but we know that more can be done, which is why we’re encouraging all of our clubs to promote The FA’s new strategic approach of ‘We Only Do Positive’ to ensure a continued improvement in behaviour on and off the pitch – generating Respect among parents, coaches, volunteers and players.”

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