We Only Do Positive
Ahead of the new youth football season, The FA has announced a renewed focus on the Respect campaign
Originally launched in 2008-9, 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 last 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.
Highlighting the importance of positive behaviour
‘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 role 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.
Richard Drake, Hertfordshire FA Designated Safeguarding Officer and Respect lead said:
“The Respect campaign has had a huge effect on standards of behaviour around children’s football over the last ten years, but there’s still more we all can do. Creating a positive environment is vital both to a young players enjoyment of the game and to developing their skills.
We are here to support any club or league that wants to embed Respect into what they do, ensuring children have great experiences throughout their football journey.”
For more information about the Respect campaign and how you can play your part, including Codes of Conduct for different roles in the game, visit our Respect page.