After a fantastic first year of #SmokefreeSidelines, Norfolk FA are pleased to confirm that the initiative will be continuing for a second season.

Thanks to additional funding and support from official print partners, Wensum Print, a further ten Norfolk clubs will also be able to be supported with free branded merchandise.

Developed by NHS Norwich Clinical Commissioning Group (Norwich CCG), as part of its Healthy Norwich programme and in close partnership with Norfolk County Football Association, the initiative was launched last July at Norfolk FA’s biggest tournament, The FDC Youth Cup.

One year on, there are currently 30 clubs – with more than 1,200 youth players between them – across Norfolk signed up.

Norfolk FA Chairman, Michael Banham, on why the association is keen to back the initiative said: “We’re delighted to be able to provide support to such a worthwhile initiative that can have a real positive impact on the lives of Norfolk’s youth footballers.

“The statistics send a clear message and I’m glad that Norfolk FA is part of the drive to reduce the number of smokers in the County, in particular those starting at a young age due to the exposure they receive.”

Experts at the University of East Anglia (UEA) recently carried out a formal evaluation of the initiative which has now been published; concluding that Smokefree Sidelines has strong support from parents and coaches. The study also suggests that the project has already made a successful and positive move towards the ‘denormalisation’ of smoking at youth football games.

You can find out more about the UEA research by typing ‘UEA smoke-free sidelines’ into your preferred search engine.

Thanks to a partnership between Norfolk FA and local printers Wensum Print, new clubs wishing to join the scheme are able to claim a free 2x1m PVC banner as well as branded barrier tape. This will be on a first come first served basis and clubs wishing to be involved should email marketing@NorfolkFA.com.