Broomfield FC have recommended embedding a new range of Essex County FA #PlayYourPart ‘Matchday Environment’ resources within more local clubs, having taken pride in their own positive spectator setting as part of a ‘Respect Marshall’ programme.

The Chelmsford-based club have urged others to download and share the resources, available now via our website, to establish the best possible inclusive environment for everyone involved with the game. Respect Marshalls support their team in following England Football’s Grassroots Code. Ultimately, they help everyone to understand and respect the Standards of Behaviour which are the levels for spectators to aim for on matchdays.

One of the key pieces of feedback received during the consultation process for our new #MovingForward 2028 Strategy was a need for greater emphasis on improving the matchday experience. As a direct result, the County FA have refreshed their #PlayYourPart pack to make it more engaging and shareable for grassroots clubs, referees, spectators, coaches and players.

Jo Sears, Club Welfare Officer at Broomfield FC, explained how her club work towards a better matchday environment for everyone: “We share with our opposition a matchday summary sheet which explains what Respect Marshalls are, the role that they play and what opposition teams can expect when they come to Broomfield Football Club.”

“They’ll see Respect Marshalls and know what their role is, and also what the matchday environment should be in terms of being safe and fun for the children playing games. We’ll continue doing what we’re doing and we’re very proud. We hope other clubs can look at what we’re doing.”

The County FA want to say a big thank you to all the spectators who support the game across Essex. Spectators are vital to football, and to creating a positive environment. Good spectators are supportive, helpful, motivators, advocates of fair play, encouraging, friendly, understanding and emotionally balanced.

Good spectators are not unfair, negative, intimidating, rude, confrontational or threatening. They value the safety, respect, learning and engagement of everyone involved, and can be a positive influence. The more positive their behaviour, the more likely that players, coaches and referees will be positive towards themselves and others. They can be part of the reason why people love the game, not leave the game. The new resources include:

Videos: Five animated #PlayYourPart videos on YouTube. The voiceovers for all of these have been provided by BBC Essex presenters, who are proud to support the #PlayYourPart campaign.

Infographics: The videos are aligned with new infographics, which are easy to download and share via social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp. They can also be printed to feature in clubhouses, changing rooms and noticeboards etc.

Matchday Environment Pack: This has been re-created with all the useful information from the previous edition, but in a more concise format, which also includes all of the infographics in one place. These will guide participants to ensure the matchday environment is the best it can be.

BBC Essex are supporting the re-launch of the new resources, and presenters Sonia Watson, Victoria Polley, Rob Jelly, Ben Fryer and Ian Puckey provided the video voiceovers. Victoria, BBC Essex Sports Editor, commented: “Essex is home to a thriving grassroots football community and, at BBC Essex, we recognise the importance of fairness and respect at all levels in the game, which is why we’re proud to have partnered with the Essex County FA on this project.”

Be part of the reason why people love the game, not leave the game. Be a positive role model. Play your part. You can access the new #PlayYourPart Matchday Environment resources by following this link and you can also find us on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.