Gloucestershire Only Does Positive – FA Respect equipment scheme relaunches with brand new messaging

• Renewed Respect campaign focuses on benefits of positivity on performance
• 90% of grassroots footballers play better in positive environment
• Grassroots clubs and leagues can apply for discounted vouchers for new Respect equipment

The latest roll-out of an FA-funded campaign is aiming to use positivity to help create safe, fun and inclusive match day environments in Gloucestershire.

Respect, which celebrates its tenth anniversary year, will now see a new focus placed on the impact of positive behavior, and will contribute to both the performance and overall enjoyment of young grassroots footballers. The campaign’s new mantra, ‘We Only Do Positive’, will specifically focus on the behaviours of parents and coaches.

The changes come after independent research commissioned by The FA found 90% of young footballers say they play better with support and encouragement whilst 92% get greater enjoyment from the sport when they play in a positive environment.

The new-look campaign will also see significant changes made to the associated Respect equipment scheme, which is delivered by the UK’s largest sports charity, the Football Foundation.

As part of the scheme, clubs and leagues across Gloucestershire will be given the opportunity to redeem vouchers enabling them to access half-price Respect packs. Two packs will be available, an on-pitch pack and the other an off-pitch pack. They will contain Respect spectator-pros and signage. All in order to help shape a more positive environment.

The new equipment will contain brand new ‘We Only Do Positive’ messaging to promote the importance of positive behaviour at football and encourage players, parents and coaches to be respectful whilst in attendance. 

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:

“The Foundation is dedicated to providing quality local facilities at which community footballers of all ages, genders and abilities can enjoy our national game.

“At the same time we want to ensure that the quality of experience in community football is also as good as possible.  The FA’s Respect campaign is an important part of helping to achieve this, as it promotes a safe and enjoyable atmosphere – particularly for young participants.

“The Respect equipment packs are an extremely effective way to help create that positive environment.  I would strongly recommend that all clubs and leagues apply for one so that they can provide a positive backdrop on their match days that will set the right tone and encourage the right behaviour amongst home and visiting players, coaches and volunteers.  This way everyone can continue to enjoy all of the benefits that we know football can bring.”

Matthew Boucher, Football Development Manager at The Gloucestershire FA, said: “The new Respect campaign ‘We Only do Positive’ highlights the importance of positive behaviour towards young footballers, specifically looking at the impact parents can have. The opening of the Football Foundation Respect Grant Scheme will enable clubs and leagues to access support towards creating a safe and inclusive environment, ensuring everyone has a positive experience throughout their journey.”

For more information contact:

• Support@GloucestershireFA.com or 01454 615888

• Danny Lynch (FA) on 0844 980 8200 ext. 4844 or Danny.Lynch@TheFA.com
• Dan King (FF) on 0345 345 4555 ext. 4275 or daniel.king@footballfoundation.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

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 side-line behaviour – particularly in youth football.

Through Respect, The FA aims to achieve:

• Educating coaches & parents on how they can play their part on and off the pitch
• Focus on what positive looks like in mini-soccer & youth football
• Children & young people loving the game
• Focus on Respect not disrespect
• A step change in youth football as to what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour from parents and coaches
• Champion Respect heroes across the country
• An enjoyable learning environment in youth football.