MIDDLESEX FA CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR RESPECT ACROSS YOUTH FOOTBALL

Middlesex FA will continue to spread a positive message of Respect across youth football throughout the 2019/20 season and beyond.

The ‘We Only Do Positive’ campaign – part of The FA’s wider Respect initiative – will return for the beginning of the youth football season this weekend following a successful 2018/19 season helping to create a positive environment for players on- and off the pitch.

The campaign aims to highlight the importance of positive behavior on and off the pitch for young footballers, educating parents and coaches on their role in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for children to play the game.

Results from last season showed increased awareness of the Respect initiative amongst all grassroots participants and, in particular, within youth football, with widespread positive feedback from over 200,000 coaches and club officials and 86% saying fixtures are now being played in a positive environment.

The FA’s wider Respect initiative launched in the 2008 after a build-up of behavioural problems in the National Game. Other recent campaigns include 21 Days of Positivity, which was taken up by thousands of coaches across the country and supported by England Manager Gareth Southgate and players across England’s senior teams.

Kelly Hancock, Football Development Officer (Barnet, Brent and Enfield) said: "The FA's Respect campaign is ever important for Middlesex FA and across the country – particularly in youth football. We strongly believe that positive encouragement is crucial in giving young people the confidence and support which allows them to develop their skills in a fun and safe environment. The priority remains on ensuring young players can flourish and enjoy the game they love. Respect is at the forefront of our minds, and we are excited as we prepare to launch our own Respect initiative shortly."

For more information on The FA’s Respect campaign, please visit:

//www.thefa.com/get-involved/respect