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.

Matt Carpenter, Football Services Manager, said: “The relaunch of the Respect campaign provides a fantastic opportunity to focus on the important role that the attitudes and behaviours demonstrated by parents and coaches play in youth football. Ensuring that the emphasis is on positivity should help ensure that our young footballers have an enjoyable experience week in week out. Combined with the introduction of sin bins to all of our adult leagues this season we should see some really positive progress being made in making the game the best possible experience it can be for everyone involved.”

Ian Grange, Facilities, Investment & Development Manager, said: “It is imperative we educate parents and coaches around the importance of creating positive, safe and fun environments for our young players involved in mini-soccer and youth football, especially given the significant role both play in the development of young players across the county.  This campaign is about ensuring young people have an excellent football experience each and every time they play the game.”