FA Respect Champion sites revealed
The Blandford School named as key pilot for brand new FA Respect initiative.
The Blandford School in Dorset has been named as one of several grassroots football facilities across the country set to pilot an innovative initiative as part of The FA’s flagship behavioural campaign, Respect.
It is hoped that regular exposure to Respect messaging whilst at the facility will positively reinforce good behaviour and create an inclusive environment for all on matchdays.
One grassroots site across many County FA regions has been chosen as an FA Respect ‘Champion’ site, which will pilot an increased level of Respect messaging. Players, coaches, officials and spectators at The Blandford School will be exposed to a greater level of Respect messaging throughout their time at the facility, encouraging them to evaluate their behaviours whilst on-site.
The FA’s Respect scheme, delivered by the Football Foundation, aims to ensure that football – both on and off the pitch – continues to be an enjoyable experience for all. If the pilot scheme at the 43 ‘Champion’ sites proves successful, similar Respect messaging could be installed at every new, Football Foundation facility, with a view to installing at existing sites also.
Liz Bishopp, Business Manager at The Blandford School, said:
“We were absolutely delighted to be selected to be part of the FA Respect initiative. This initiative complements our ethos as a school, and helps us to reinforce the importance of respect in all aspects of life. The signage provided by the campaign is a really eye-catching way of ensuring that the Respect message is foremost in the minds of our school community, including those local clubs who make use of our wonderful facilities outside of the school day.”
Nathan French, The FA’s National Respect Project Manager, said:
“It is fantastic news that The Blandford School has been selected as one of our ‘Champion’ Respect sites. The Respect scheme aims to create a positive matchday environment at all grassroots football facilities.
“Through the support of The Blandford School and similar sites up and down the country, we are continuing to work towards a more inclusive, greater grassroots game for all.”
About The FA’s Respect campaign
Respect came about through concern from the grassroots game as to the damage arising from abuse towards referees, a lack of referees in the grassroots game and poor sideline behaviour – particularly in youth football.
Through Respect, The FA aims to achieve:
- A better experience For ALL
- Zero tolerance for assaults on referees
- An improvement in on-field player discipline, in particular reducing dissent to referees and in competitions that have an established record of poor discipline
- A step change in youth football as to what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour from parents and spectators
- Educate Parents, Coaches & Match Officials on how to play their part in creating positive environments
- An enjoyable learning environment in youth football.
The FA’s Respect programme provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, players and parents from grassroots to elite football – to help ensure a safe, positive environment in which to play the game.
The FA and Football Foundation’s Respect barriers and Respect packs are made up of captains’ armbands, marshals’ bibs and Respect Signage. They are available to football leagues and clubs to ensure there is good behaviour by players and parents alike in the grassroots game, with money provided by The FA and vouchers supplied by the Foundation.
Any clubs, league or schools that want to receive 50% off the Respect equipment packs can do so by visiting the link below.
