Local grassroots clubs are continuing to join us in spreading a positive message of Respect across youth football throughout the 2019/20 season.

Part of The FA’s wider Respect initiative, the ‘We Only Do Positive’ campaign returned at the beginning of the youth football season following a successful 2018/19 helping to create a positive environment for players, both on and off the pitch.

The campaign highlights the importance of positive behaviour for young footballers whilst 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.

There was widespread positive feedback from over 200,000 coaches and club officials, and 86% said fixtures are now being played in a positive environment. 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, plus players across England’s senior teams.

Helen Hever, County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, said: “Respect is important in Essex and across the country - particularly in youth football. Positive encouragement is crucial to give young people confidence and enable them to develop their skills in a fun and safe environment.”

“The priority remains to ensure they can flourish and enjoy the game they love. It’s been great to see so many local clubs sharing best practice on Twitter using the #WeOnlyDoPositive hashtag, and we love to share these excellent examples of good conduct.”

For more information on The FA’s Respect campaign, please visit www.thefa.com/get-involved/respect. Details can also be found here, by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.